National Winners Set for San Juan
With the 75th edition of the Miss Universe pageant approaching, national organizations have finalized their selections. On August 23, 2026, 19-year-old law student Kaziah Liz Mejo was crowned Miss Universe India in Jaipur. Simultaneously, the pageant circuit has highlighted the selection of Misbah Arshad as Miss Universe Pakistan, setting the stage for a high-profile presence from South Asia at the global finale.
The upcoming competition, scheduled for November 24, 2026, at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico, serves as a significant platform for brand visibility and national representation. For Mejo, the win marks a historic milestone as the first representative from the Kerala state to secure the title in 64 years. Her background in modelling, including a first runner-up finish at Miss Teen International 2025, has positioned her as a central figure in India’s campaign for the crown.
Cross-Border Acknowledgement
The lead-up to the San Juan event has been marked by a notable moment of professional courtesy. Following the announcement of the Indian winner, Misbah Arshad—who holds a background in psychology and has previously represented Pakistan in international circuits like Miss International 2023—publicly congratulated Mejo via social media. Arshad’s message, “See you very soon in Puerto Rico,” has been widely interpreted as a signal of the collegiate nature often encouraged within the global pageant community, despite the historical geopolitical tensions between the two nations.
Arshad, who was crowned in the Philippines, brings extensive experience to the stage, having participated in events including Miss Supranational 2024. Her participation signifies a continued effort by the Pakistani pageant organization to maintain a consistent presence at the Miss Universe level.
Strategic Goals and Future Aspirations
For both contestants, the pageant represents more than a title; it is a vehicle for career development. Mejo has explicitly stated her ambition to transition into the film industry, viewing the Miss Universe platform as an opportunity to showcase India’s cultural diversity and the strength of Gen-Z. Similarly, Arshad’s academic focus on psychology and her history of competing in diverse international environments highlight the professionalization of modern pageant contestants.
As the November 24 date approaches, the Miss Universe Organization remains focused on the logistics of hosting the 75th anniversary of the event. Fátima Bosch of Mexico is expected to crown her successor, marking the transition to the next year of the organization’s operational cycle.