So it finally comes to this. After four weeks of activities and spectacle, the moment of truth finally beckons. Shake-ups came aplenty after the Beauty with a Purpose gala and the extravagant Dances of the World production number. Looking at the online picks, there appears to be no single undisputed favorite, which makes this edition particularly exciting. Before I proceed with my personal picks, here are 24 candidates who are more than welcome to pull surprises: 

Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Jamaica, Martinique, Panama, Ghana, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Somalia, Zimbabwe, Bulgaria, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Scotland, Australia, Bangladesh, China, Cook Islands, Japan, Laos

With only 10 slots allotted per region, the Americas stand to suffer the most from this format, though early standouts Bolivia, Colombia, and Miss Universe alum Argentina could still fight for slots. From Africa, it’s great to see Ghana back in fighting form, while returning Malawi and newcomer Mozambique might pull upsets. Europe bets Bulgaria and Italy have voting traction and there still might be room for one more UK girl, like Amy Adams clone Scotland Finally, from the host region: China and Japan sent underrated stunners and it might still be a Miss World Oceania showdown for Australia and Cook Islands, whether they place or not. Now, on to my Top 40:

TOP 40 PICKS. Belize, Canada, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, England, Germany, Kosovo, Spain, Ukraine, Cambodia, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand.

Canada and Cambodia topped People’s Choice in their respective continents, so they’re already in. Then, there’s Ethiopia, who received more votes than the aforementioned without topping hers. That, and her harrowing story captured hearts. Making the cut through Multimedia is Zambia, who just secured a two-peat, and so did OG powerhouse Germany, who also qualified through Head to Head. England made it through Talent, while it’s a potential Caribbean showdown among Sports winner Puerto Rico, Top Model qualifier Dominican Republic, and Trinidad and Tobago, another Head to Head qualifier. It’s still hard to ignore Botswana, and early African standout, and Belize, one of this year’s prettiest faces and a BWAP finalist. Also up for the crucial Fast Track are Uganda and Ukraine, poised to maintain their country’s streaks, Sri Lanka, out to avenge her predecessor, and so are Spain, Kenya, and Nepal. And in what promises to be a great year for Indochina, mesmerizing Myanmar might catch a break, while incumbent champ Thailand might just overcome the Successors’ Curse for a change. 

TOP 20 PICKS. French Guiana, United States, Equatorial Guinea, Belgium, Denmark, Gibraltar, India, Indonesia
It’s an auspicious debut for French Guiana, this year’s most awarded newcomer. Also fast-tracked is Gibraltar, Europe’s People’s Choice winner, who arguably could have placed on sheer merit. In contrast, there’s uncharacteristically overlooked Indonesia who rallied in through Multimedia. Also worthy of lofty placements are multi-challenge placer Denmark, half-Gabonese Belgium, breakthrough-worthy Equatorial Guinea, and the inspiring United States. And looking at India’s prototypal beauty and other recent factors, there’s no way they’re shutting her out. 

TOP 12 PICKS. South Africa, Tanzania, Venezuela, Malaysia, Brazil, Czech Republic.
As it stands, South Africa is already vindicated from last year. Also worthy of pulling the same is Venezuela – uneven performance since its last win, but what a powerful advocacy. Tanzania’s slated to host next year, and what’s stopping this one from suddenly usurping the continental title? And, as testament to the Continental Format’s brutality: Malaysia, Brazil, and Czech Republic are easily potential winners, so it’s a shame to place them here for now. Should they beat the odds, it would be at the expense of other frontrunners. Whatever the case, there will be heartbreak. 

TOP 6 PICKS. Eritrea, Nigeria, Philippines
Given her landslide People’s Choice lead, this breakthrough was clearly Eritrea’s to lose. Granted her countrymen sustain the zeal, she’ll secure this lofty slot. Trailing her in votes is Nigeria, who excelled in multiple categories and earned her slot beforehand anyway. But much as she’s perceivablyAfrica’s strongest bet, that position may still be seized. And then, there’s the Philippines, who rapidly rose up the ranks with her eloquence, grace, and versatility. The clamor for a second win is understandably ablaze, and she actually just might. But let’s keep expectations at bay for now. For one, the host delegate’s just as hungry.  

2ND RUNNER-UP: Vietnam
Face it, the host country’s just as pageant-crazy and, inevitably, more in control. Hey, this is Southeast Asia. And when they send a former global titleholder to do the job, you just know what they’re aiming for. The possibility’s right there. Right now, it’s unclear if this former Miss Intercontinental can pull a Lara Dutta. But, at the minimum, she’s poised to secure a record high. 

1ST RUNNER-UP: France 
There comes a point when a contender goes from quietly gathering steam to simply becoming unstoppable. Such is the case of this all-around creative, who didn’t stop with qualifying for Top Model. She also received the highest number of People’s Choice votes in her continent and is up for the all-important Beauty with a Purpose. That’s more than one ace up this Guadeloupe native’s sleeve and if she plays her cards right, she just succeed her fellow Miss Universe 2024 alumna, Opal Suchata. Or, even better: someone might finally follow Denise Perrier’s footsteps after 73 years. 

MISS WORLD 2026: Chile
Heavy metal and pageantry aren’t exactly a conventional mix. Actually, it isn’t. Yet, this multi-hyphenate more than encapsulates the best of both worlds. She blends them masterfully. Right now, other Americans may have either the hype or the Fast Track momentum. But she has the face and aura of a winner.  And there’s this gnawing feeling that, in other years, or other contests for that matter, she’d be crowned with ease. So, why not give it to her now? After six placements spanning 59 years, perhaps it’s high time the country earned its due here.