Overview
- Omar Harfouch resigned on November 18 as an official Miss Universe judge, alleging a preselected Top 30 and an improvised panel, accusations the Miss Universe Organization publicly rejected as a misunderstanding of its protocols.
- MUO stated no external panel was authorized and said official procedures were followed, also instructing the ex-judge not to use official marks while urging audiences to heed only certified channels.
- The November 21 final in the Bangkok area proceeds after multiple delegate changes, with reports outlining withdrawals or replacements for Persia, Germany, Niger, China and the DR Congo over security, family, travel, eligibility and contractual disputes.
- FIFA confirmed Guadalajara and Monterrey will host the intercontinental playoff from March 23–31, 2026, featuring Iraq, DR Congo, Jamaica, Surinam, Bolivia and New Caledonia, with Iraq and DR Congo seeded directly into the playoff finals and the draw set for November 20.
- World Cup qualifying stands at 42 of 48 teams decided, highlighted by Curaçao’s first-ever berth as a small-population entrant and Haiti’s return to the tournament after a 52-year absence.