The beauty, intelligence and elegance of Guatemalan women will be the center of the Miss Universe Guatemala pageant, in its 2026 edition, in which 27 candidates, representatives of various departments, as well as the migrant community, will compete to become the next beauty queen who projects the country to the world.
The pageant, which goes beyond a crown or physical beauty, is a platform for female empowerment and a space for social work. In its 55th edition in the country, the candidate who will seek to place the name of Guatemala at the top will be crowned.
The final gala is scheduled for next August 8, when the 27 candidates must project their elegance, intelligence and beauty on stage. Óscar Flores, national director of the Miss Universe organization for Guatemala, shared with Prensa Libre that the next Miss Universe Guatemala makes a commitment to the country, since she will have to fulfill a work agenda with several charities with which the organization collaborates throughout the year.
Flores highlighted that Miss Universe Guatemala will be a spokesperson for female empowerment and will also work on social projects related to education, acute malnutrition and chronic malnutrition. In addition, she will continue her preparation to represent Guatemala in the Miss Universe pageant, which will be held in Puerto Rico.
What do you look for in the next beauty queen?
Flores highlighted that they are looking for an empowered woman, with the necessary skills in beauty, elegance, intelligence and social projection. He commented that 164 candidates registered and, after several filters, 27 candidates were selected who will compete for the highest beauty title.
“We are looking for a candidate who meets the profile of an empowered, prepared woman, willing to work for noble causes in the country, resilient and eager to prepare to represent Guatemala in the best way in Miss Universe,” stressed the director of the pageant.
Among the organization’s achievements, the work carried out with more than 20 charities in Guatemala stands out, so Raschel Paz’s successor, Miss Universe Guatemala 2025, must continue that work.
As part of the surprises, the organization announced the presence of the current Miss Universe, Fátima Bosch, during the final gala, which will be held in Guatemala City.
Candidates for Miss Universe Guatemala 2026
Yesenia Bol Valdez, from Alta Verapaz (21 years old)
The representative of Alta Verapaz seeks to be an inspiration for girls and young people. He is currently studying the University Technician in Livestock Production (Zootechnics).
Candidate for the 55th edition of Miss Universe Guatemala. (Free Press Photo: courtesy MUG / Jorge Contreras)
Carlota Vanegas, from Antigua Guatemala (41 years old)
The candidate seeks to become the next Miss Universe Guatemala to generate a change in society and break paradigms that demonstrate that age is not an impediment to achieving everything you set your mind to.
Candidate for the 55th edition of Miss Universe Guatemala. (Free Press Photo: courtesy MUG / Jorge Contreras)
Beyfer Hernández, from Baja Verapaz (22 years old)
A student of the Bachelor’s Degree in Legal and Social Sciences, the candidate dreams of being a justice of the peace, as well as representing Guatemala in an international pageant, which is why she seeks to be crowned the next Miss Universe Guatemala.
Candidate for the 55th edition of Miss Universe Guatemala. (Free Press Photo: courtesy MUG / Jorge Contreras)
Thelma Girón, from Chimaltenango (25 years old)
Student of Industrial Psychology, she dreams of devoting herself to professional modeling, as well as finishing her university degree.
Candidate for the 55th edition of Miss Universe Guatemala. (Free Press Photo: courtesy MUG / Jorge Contreras)
Sophia Osorio, from Chiquimula (23 years old)
One of her dreams is to be a lawyer and notary, as well as create her own foundation for single mothers that provides education on complementary feeding and breastfeeding.
Candidate for the 55th edition of Miss Universe Guatemala. (Free Press Photo: courtesy MUG / Jorge Contreras)
Daniella Gallusser, from Guatemala City (20 years old)
Administration and Marketing student, one of her dreams is to grow her jewelry sales business. Likewise, he is passionate about drawing and the piano.
Candidate for the 55th edition of Miss Universe Guatemala. (Free Press Photo: courtesy MUG / Jorge Contreras)
Geraldine Tánchez, from the City of Quetzaltenango (37 years old)
With studies in a Bachelor’s Degree in Legal and Social Sciences, a lawyer and notary, and a Master’s Degree in Constitutional Law and Fundamental Rights, the candidate seeks to be an example that women can achieve what they set out to do through effort and dedication.
Candidate for the 55th edition of Miss Universe Guatemala. (Free Press Photo: courtesy MUG / Jorge Contreras)
Evany Chun, from the Deaf Community (26 years old)
With the dream of traveling to various countries and learning about their cultures, it aims to support the deaf community by promoting education and employment. One of its plans is to promote the learning of sign language among hearing children in schools, in order to promote the inclusion of the deaf community and strengthen social respect.
Candidate for the 55th edition of Miss Universe Guatemala. (Free Press Photo: courtesy MUG / Jorge Contreras)
Astrid Méndez, from the department of Guatemala (30 years old)
Marketing student, her passion is acting and singing, which has led her to dream of becoming an actress.
Candidate for the 55th edition of Miss Universe Guatemala. (Free Press Photo: courtesy MUG / Jorge Contreras)
Yaquelin España, from El Progreso (22 years old)
Student of Clinical Psychology, the candidate dreams of being an ambassador for Miss Universe Guatemala, as well as helping girls in education and mental health issues.
Candidate for the 55th edition of Miss Universe Guatemala. (Free Press Photo: courtesy MUG / Jorge Contreras)
Hortensia Abascal, from Escuintla (39 years old)
With the closed curriculum of the Bachelor of Legal and Social Sciences, the objective is to serve as a support agent to promote educational programs and reinforce sexual education and mathematics.
Candidate for the 55th edition of Miss Universe Guatemala. (Free Press Photo: courtesy MUG / Jorge Contreras)
Mónica Arévalo, from Central Guatemala (21 years old)
Student of Clinical Nutrition, she seeks to contribute, from her profession, to the strengthening of nutritional health in public schools. Her hobbies include dancing, singing, modeling, tennis, painting and hiking.
Candidate for the 55th edition of Miss Universe Guatemala. (Free Press Photo: courtesy MUG / Jorge Contreras)
Debbie Ruiz, from Guatemala in the USA (38 years old)
Professional in Visual Merchandising and Communications, the candidate aims to become a leader who inspires other women to believe in their potential and pursue their dreams with determination, regardless of age.
Candidate for the 55th edition of Miss Universe Guatemala. (Free Press Photo: courtesy MUG / Jorge Contreras)
Odeth García, from Guatemala Oriente (18 years old)
Student of International Relations and Diplomacy, she seeks to represent Guatemala through modeling, which is why she aspires to be the next Miss Universe Guatemala.
Candidate for the 55th edition of Miss Universe Guatemala. (Free Press Photo: courtesy MUG / Jorge Contreras)
Ana De León, from Huehuetenango (25 years old)
Marketing and Innovation student, the candidate’s hobbies are dancing, painting, sports and climbing volcanoes. In addition, he aspires to develop himself in content creation.
Candidate for the 55th edition of Miss Universe Guatemala. (Free Press Photo: courtesy MUG / Jorge Contreras)
Debbie Orellana, from Izabal (26 years old)
Graduated in Psychopedagogy, her dream is to advance psychopedagogical care for children with ADHD and autism. In addition, she seeks to promote her career in modeling and participate in acting castings.
Candidate for the 55th edition of Miss Universe Guatemala. (Free Press Photo: courtesy MUG / Jorge Contreras)
Victoria Villatoro, from Jalapa (21 years old)
Student of the Bachelor’s Degree in Legal and Social Sciences, the candidate’s goals are to help her family, as well as promote health in the most vulnerable communities.
Candidate for the 55th edition of Miss Universe Guatemala. (Free Press Photo: courtesy MUG / Jorge Contreras)
Stephanie Claverie, from Jutiapa (29 years old)
Communication student, she is passionate about makeup, with which she seeks to promote self-love. Additionally, it aims to influence adolescents on health and nutrition issues, and raise awareness about anorexia and bulimia.
Candidate for the 55th edition of Miss Universe Guatemala. (Free Press Photo: courtesy MUG / Jorge Contreras)
Estrella Castro, from Petén (20 years old)
Student of Pedagogy in Educational Sciences, the candidate aspires to be a woman who inspires others to improve themselves. Her talents include folk dance and contemporary dance.
Candidate for the 55th edition of Miss Universe Guatemala. (Free Press Photo: courtesy MUG / Jorge Contreras)
Nivian Jiménez, from Quetzaltenango (21 years old)
Student of the Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Sciences, she seeks to use her degree to give a voice to people who do not have access to information. Additionally, it aspires to support organizations, especially those that work with malnourished children and animals.
Candidate for the 55th edition of Miss Universe Guatemala. (Free Press Photo: courtesy MUG / Jorge Contreras)
Milagro Martínez de Retalhuleu (20 years old)
Physician and Surgeon student, her aspirations include having a clinic specialized in pediatric oncology, continuing in beauty pageants and developing health projects.
Candidate for the 55th edition of Miss Universe Guatemala. (Free Press Photo: courtesy MUG / Jorge Contreras)
María Castillo, from Sacatepéquez (30 years old)
General practitioner with a specialty in Pediatrics, the candidate is pursuing a subspecialty in Pediatric Intensive Care. Additionally, he speaks English, Spanish and Greek.
Candidate for the 55th edition of Miss Universe Guatemala. (Free Press Photo: courtesy MUG / Jorge Contreras)
Fátima Martínez, from San Marcos (25 years old)
With a degree in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Forensic Psychology, the candidate’s aspiration is to create projects in rural areas to break taboos about mental health and support institutions that work with vulnerable groups, focused on childhood, adolescence and gender violence.
Candidate for the 55th edition of Miss Universe Guatemala. (Free Press Photo: courtesy MUG / Jorge Contreras)
Margarita Del Cid, from Santa Rosa (24 years old)
With a degree in Pedagogy and Educational Administration, her aspiration is to venture into clothing and haute couture, specialize in clothing design and project her designs to the world.
Candidate for the 55th edition of Miss Universe Guatemala. (Free Press Photo: courtesy MUG / Jorge Contreras)
Karime Veloso, from Suchitepéquez (20 years old)
Student of the Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology and Criminal Policy, his hobbies are motocrosssports and painting. She aspires to create her own clothing brand, as well as a foundation that generates employment for women who suffer violence.
Candidate for the 55th edition of Miss Universe Guatemala. (Free Press Photo: courtesy MUG / Jorge Contreras)
Edna Gutiérrez, from Totonicapán (25 years old)
Student of the Bachelor’s Degree in Communication and Design, aspires to be a television presenter. He dreams of representing Guatemala internationally, as well as developing in the world of communication.
Candidate for the 55th edition of Miss Universe Guatemala. (Free Press Photo: courtesy MUG / Jorge Contreras)
María Rossal, from Zacapa (26 years old)
With a degree in Public Image and Media, the candidate seeks to become Miss Universe Guatemala and inspire young Guatemalan women to break stereotypes and achieve their dreams.
Candidate for the 55th edition of Miss Universe Guatemala. (Free Press Photo: courtesy MUG / Jorge Contreras)