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MEXICO – Pety Vianey Juárez. Look, it’s not like the country’s completely Nawat’s mortal enemy. And, remember, he preferred last year’s candidate to make the Top Five instead. This physician stands a chance at stretching the streak for a third straight year. Plus, she’s like the Latina answer to Celeste Cortesi.
MOLDOVA – Regina Ganzenko. The landlocked country returns after seven years. This professional singer may be no frontrunner, but her Grand Talent nod might just earn her a pass.
MONGOLIA – Amber Yuhan. Looks-wise, this entrepreneur can give it a fight. Unfortunately, there’s online uproar over the fact that she’s actually Mainland Chinese – as if the pronounceable surname isn’t enough clue. It’s a mystery how this country’s selection process even takes place. And let’s not forget the other side of the coin, its 2022 delegate somehow got away with representing Serbia in Miss Universe last year. That one irked the former Yugoslav republic too.
MONTENEGRO – Andrijana Delibašić. The 20-year-old republic makes its sophomore appearance with this lawyer. She’s a solid contender who’s also currently up for Grand Talent, so a breakthrough might not be far-fetched.
MYANMAR – Christine Nan Seng. Assuming that the 2024 representative’s antics are now water under the bridge, this Kachin native might be in for a shot. She’s striking, though the usual Indochinese challengers are on her way.
NEPAL – Sumnima Puri. The home of the Himalayas missed the pageant only once, but has yet to enjoy the success it achieves in other pageants. So far, this content creator isn’t widely touted to score a breakthrough.
NETHERLANDS – Beau Megan Goos. She might as well be called an “edu-trainer” since she dabbles in both the academe and entertainment. With the last Dutch to make the cut now Universe-bound, she now seems geared towards restoring her country’s prospects.
NEW ZEALAND – Emily Faulkner. This registered nurse is as competitive as Kiwi delegates get these days, but the drought might extend for an eighth straight year.
NICARAGUA – Nahomy Hill. The country isn’t exactly a one-hit wonder, but it hasn’t made the cut here. This healthcare professional isn’t expected to be the first.
NIGERIA – Uzogheli Ifeoma. After lofty placements in both Miss Supranational and Miss World, the Giant of Africa seems poised for another great year. This law student’s a strong possibility. But, should the competition overwhelm, there’s another formidable Nigerian in the fray.
NORWAY – Ayu Zhafira Kynbråten. It’s still an uphill climb for this Nordic kingdom, though this student might earn mileage for her half-Indonesian lineage.
PAKISTAN – Zara Younus. One can’t help but wonder if she’d even be able to compete in the original host country. But, now that it’s returned to Bangkok, she’s turning heads and was even selected for Grand Day Experience. Whether or not that will translate to a breakthrough, she’s already left quite an impression.
PARAGUAY – Micaela Viveros. The country never quite left the radar since winning (and fainting) in 2018 and has even placed four times since. This future dentist has a fair shot at maintaining that track record.
PERU – Zulliet Seminario. For the second time since its second win, the country sent a woman of color. Other Latins may be at the forefront, but this business student stands to hold her own. At the minimum, she can be seen repairing the broken streak.
PHILIPPINES – Angelica Lopez. Even when she was Miss International-bound, there was already an inkling that she belonged here instead. Clearly, that eventually manifested and this Palaweña’s undoubtedly in her element. Right now, a three-peat, frankly, feels like pushing it, but she at least has a hefty shot at vindication.
PORTUGAL – Milena Fernandez Rabelo. Just like Jamaica, the Land of Explorers has yet to follow through on its placement 10 years ago and this lawyer isn’t expected to end the drought.
PUERTO RICO – Vicky Carbonell. It’s hard to believe that the OG champ hasn’t made the cut since 2023, but this professional singer might just restore the island’s fortunes – whether or not she bags Grand Talent.
ROMANIA – Andreea Ciucǎ. The Home of Dracula returns strong with this content creator, but isn’t pegged to score a breakthrough.
RUSSIA – Polina Ammosova. The world’s largest country returns after a one-year hiatus and, curiously, with neither Bashkortostan, Siberia, nor Tatarstan in tow. This medical manager may not likely end the seven-year drought, but she has strong presence.
SIERRA LEONE – Adel Caroline Jusu. The Lion Mountain competed twice before with not much luck. It returns with a solid candidate, but as it stands, there are other African frontrunners.
