Marcella Kozinski won the Miss Universe Brasil 2026 title during the grand final in São Paulo on Saturday, July 25, 2026. The 26-year-old Curitiba native and Ilha del Mel representative will now advance to represent Brazil at the international Miss Universe competition in Porto Rico.
Marcella Kozinski Claims the Miss Universe Brasil 2026 Crown
The competition reached its climax on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the Komplexo Tempo venue in São Paulo, drawing celebrities, judges, and contestants for a heavily produced final event. Marcella Kozinski, representing the Ilha do Mel, emerged as the winner after advancing through every stage of the pageant.
At 26 years old, Kozinski brings prior pageant and modeling experience to her new role. She was crowned Miss Universo Paraná in 2021 and Miss Universe Ilha do Mel in 2026. Before those titles, she competed internationally in China in 2019 at the age of 19. Outside of modeling, she is an animal lover with aspirations to establish a kennel dedicated to rescuing stray dogs.
Following her victory, Kozinski prepares for a rigorous training schedule ahead of the global pageant. Record reported that she will appear as a guest on the television program Hoje em Dia
on Monday, July 27, 2026.
Television Return and the Yby Marã Crown
The 2026 edition marked a notable shift for the pageant’s distribution. The broadcast was hosted by Michelle Barros, with commentary provided by Natália Guimarães.
This year’s competition featured a record-setting number of participants following the inclusion of candidates representing specific tourist routes. The winner received the newly crafted crown titled Yby Marã, meaning Sacred Land. The piece features a natural golden citrine weighing 17 carats, 27 pearls, and an engraved map of Brazil integrated into its metalwork.
Natália Guimarães, who was crowned Miss Brasil and finished as runner-up at Miss Universe 2007, reflected on how the demands of the title have evolved over more than seven decades.
Natália Guimarães, Miss Brasil 2007 and commentator, via CNN Brasil, noted that the winner needs to be prepared to converse on various topics, represent the country internationally, and use her voice in a positive way.
Red-Carpet Arrivals and Celebrity Judges in São Paulo
The venue in São Paulo drew significant media attention not only for the pageant contestants, but also for the high-profile guests, jurors, and television personalities in attendance.
- Adriane Galisteu, who wore an emerald-green pleated long-sleeve gown featuring a high front slit, draping, and a long train.
- Vera Viel, who selected a light-blue structured corset dress combining romantic and modern tailoring.
- Giba, representing the sports world on the evaluation panel.
- Isabella Menin, joining the group of judges.
- Jakelyne Oliveira, completing the roster of industry figures on the judging committee.
Maria Gabriela Lacerda Departs with a Faith-Inspired Gown
Before passing the crown to Kozinski, outgoing titleholder Maria Gabriela Lacerda marked the end of her reign with a distinct fashion statement.
The garment incorporated hand-painted elements, glass crystals, and natural pearls arranged in patterns resembling cathedral stained-glass windows, centered around a cut diamond symbolizing strength and purity. Lacerda previously represented Brazil at the international Miss Universe 2025 competition, where she advanced into the Top 30. That placement ended a four-year drought for the country, marking Brazil’s first return past the initial cut since Julia Gama placed second in 2020.
Kozinski will carry Brazil’s flag forward when she competes at the international Miss Universe event scheduled for November 24, 2026, in Porto Rico, succeeding the reigning Mexican titleholder Fátima Bosch.
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