Joheirry Mola Dominguez of the Dominican Republic has been crowned Miss World 2026, winning the coveted blue crown at the 75th edition of the pageant held in Nha Trang, Vietnam, on September 5, 2026.

Mola Dominguez prevailed over more than 100 contestants from around the world to claim the title, succeeding Thailand's Opal Suchata, who held the 2025 crown. The finale featured contestants from over 100 countries competing across multiple categories including talent, sports, multimedia, and beauty with a purpose — the pageant's signature social impact initiative.

Top Finalists

The competition's top six finalists represented Eritrea, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Dominican Republic, Spain, and South Africa, according to BBC Pidgin. Elisabeth Reynes of Spain was named first runner-up, while the host nation Vietnam was also represented among the finalists.

The pageant was held at a venue in Nha Trang, a coastal city in Khanh Hoa province known for its beaches and diving sites, marking the first time Vietnam has hosted the Miss World competition.

About the Winner

Mola Dominguez becomes the second woman from the Dominican Republic to win the Miss World title, adding to the Caribbean nation's growing legacy in international pageantry. The Dominican Republic has previously produced winners of Miss Universe and other major international pageants, cementing its reputation as a powerhouse in global beauty competitions.

According to the Hindustan Times, the 75th Miss World finale was broadcast globally, with viewers across more than 100 countries tuning in to watch the crowning moment. The pageant's "Beauty with a Purpose" segment, which highlights contestants' humanitarian projects, remained a central feature of the competition.

Cultural Significance

The choice of Vietnam as host country reflects the pageant's continued expansion into Southeast Asia. Vietnam has increasingly positioned itself as a destination for major international events, and the Miss World organization has emphasized the economic and cultural benefits of hosting the competition.

The Miss World pageant, founded in 1951, is the oldest surviving international beauty pageant. The 2026 edition's diverse top six — spanning Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and Southeast Asia — underscored the competition's global reach and evolving standards of representation.

Mola Dominguez will now undertake a year-long reign focused on humanitarian advocacy and global travel as part of her Miss World duties, continuing the pageant's tradition of combining beauty with social impact initiatives.