In what inevitably channeled flashbacks of the pandemic edition, the MGI 2026 Swimsuit Competition took place at the Lebua Bangkok roof deck. That’s where the Grand Queens brought their confidence and showcased their struts. By the end of the parade, the reigning titleholder Emma Tiglao took the stage to announce that next year’s edition would be staying in home turf.
++++++++++++++++++++
GEORGIA – Ioanna Shervashidze. It took until last year for this Eurasian country to finally return to pageantry. And while this gymnast outshines her predecessor, a breakthrough is generally still not foreseen.
GHANA – Adelaide Somuah Twum. Remember, the first black winner was from this country, even though she represented the Stars and Stripes, and fans are still generally on a Faith Porter High. So, naturally and rightfully, this public relations graduate is in the radar. It’s just a question of whether or not she can actually power through, because her continent did up the ante.
GUATEMALA – Ximena Carrillo. Obviously, most of this nation’s best recent showings happened in this pageant – from 2020’s 2nd Runner-Up, Ivana Batchelor, to last year’s early crown contender, Ana Lendl. Right now, it’s hard to turn a blind eye to this Miss Cosmo alumna’s strong presence. Chances are, the placement streak continues for a third straight year. And perhaps, it’s high time the country gained another titleholder.
GUYANA – Khadesia Walker. It’s only the tropical country’s third appearance and this actress is easily its strongest yet. Too bad, she’s being overshadowed and her girls’ empowerment movement may be a better fit for Miss World.
GUYANA – Khadesia Walker. It’s only the tropical country’s third appearance and this actress is easily its strongest yet. Too bad, she’s being overshadowed and her girls’ empowerment movement may be a better fit for Miss World.
HAITI – Estephanie Charles. Much as she’s improved tremendously from her Miss Earth stint two years ago, it’s still a steep climb.
HONDURAS – Emely Carmelina Alemán. Before last year’s hiatus, the country enjoyed rare consecutive placements in 2022 and 2023. This business analytics is a worthy contender, but a resurgence is not yet set in stone.
HONG KONG – Yolanda Liu Xuebing. Judging from her Western name, there might be a Latin connection somewhere. She also went viral for forcing an uneasy Nawat to participate in her Khun Anne act. Sadly, we’ve seen how “comic relief characters” fared before and if we take 2021’s Sen Yang as an example, it hasn’t been rewarding. Then again, this Kowloon native’s a solid performer. So, she might just be an exception.
INDIA – Lakshita Thilagaraj. Obviously, the narrative would have been different if the pageant remained in her country. Now, given that botched hosting campaign and Rachel Gupta’s recent abdication, this engineer is now burdened by the aftermath. Here’s hoping she still powers through, as she’s a strong candidate.
INDONESIA – Dilza Salsabila. The country won 10 years ago and has only missed the Top 10 twice since. So far, there’s no certainty if this actress can vindicate her predecessor who stalled in the Top 20, but she can at least sustain the streak.
IRAN – Tanin Alemi Baygy. We don’t usually see this Middle Eastern country in action, much less, standing out. But this Canadian-based model was picked for Grand Day Experience, so that might be an added ace.
ITALY – Angelica Marziali. It’s sad enough that the country hasn’t won any global pageant. Here, it hasn’t even made the cut. This fencer might maintain that status quo, for now.
JAMAICA – Simone Gardner. The island has generally struggled since scoring its first placement 10 years ago. This attorney isn’t envisioned to buck that trend just yet.
JAPAN – Sara Chiba. Pinoys will be thrilled to know that she has lineage. Outside of that, she’s criminally underrated.
KAZAKHSTAN – Anel Yemel. There have been mentions of this international model, but a second placement for her country feel less certain.
KOSOVO – Alba Fazlija. She’s not as over-the-top as her non-placing predecessor, that’s for sure. So, while she’s just as formidable, her prospects are even hazier.
LAOS – Louise Chanthalangsy. This half-French stunner competed in nationals thrice before finally earning her shot. Given her country’s recent momentum here, she’s a worthy possibility.
LEBANON – Perla Abou Rjeily. The Land of the Cedars returns with this timid and subdued performer. Timid and subdued don’t usually take off in this pageant.
MACAU – Moniece Lam Man Si. Much as this business professional was another candidate’s choice to win, she’s not expected to replicate the Hio Man Chan’s feat 10 years ago.
MALAYSIA – Vyan Trisni. With national winner, Sunoshini Dhanabalan, stepping down for unknown reasons, this model is now sent in her stead. The short hair does give her more edge. Her hurdle is that she almost looks like the frontrunner from Ecuador.
MALTA – Natalia Galea. This striking lawyer is seasoned by her Miss World experience, but the hype isn’t quite there.
