Miss Universe 2026 contestants landed at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan 16 days before the coronation, according to WAPA.TV. The arrivals mark the start of the run-up to the 75th edition's final gala, set for 24 November at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan.

Metro Puerto Rico reported that contestants have begun arriving for the pageant. Not every delegate will be on the island: Victoria Amerson, Miss Austria 2026, announced she will not attend, pulling out hours before the official contestant gathering began in Puerto Rico, per El Nuevo Día. Primera Hora also carried her withdrawal.

Puerto Rico's tie to the crown runs deep. Denise Quiñones won the Miss Universe title in 2001 representing the island, WAPA.TV noted. This year the final returns home, with the coronation scheduled for 24 November at the Agrelot Coliseum, La Voz Digital and Metro Puerto Rico reported.