Mariale Acosta, 24, of Heredia Province, was crowned Miss Universe Costa Rica 2026 on Friday during the national pageant held at the Costa Rica Convention Center in Heredia.

The victory marks a successful return for Acosta, who previously competed for the national title in 2024 and finished as first runner-up.

In her second attempt, she surpassed 13 other contestants to win the crown and secure the opportunity to represent Costa Rica at the Miss Universe competition, scheduled to take place in Puerto Rico in November 2026.

The pageant was hosted by television presenter Omar Cascante and Miss Universe 2023 Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua.

Several notable guests attended the event, including President Laura Fernández. Also in attendance were Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjær of Denmark and reigning Miss Universe Fátima Bosch of Mexico.

Ahead of the competition, President Fernández welcomed Bosch, Kjær and Palacios at the Presidential House in San José.

 

The visit marked Kjær’s second trip to Costa Rica. The former Miss Universe also visited the country in July 2025 as a special guest of the Miss Universe Costa Rica 2025 pageant.

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