Culture
The Miss World crown has moved from the coastal city of Nha Trang in Vietnam
The Miss World crown has moved from the coastal city of Nha Trang in Vietnam to the Dominican Republic after Joheirry Mola Dominguez was crowned Miss World 2026 at the conclusion of a competition featuring 111 contestants from around the world. The coronation took place during an edition that also celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Miss World pageant. Only six women remained in the final stages of the competition.
Spain’s Elisabeth Reynés Alabern was named first runner-up, while Malaysia’s Taanusiya Chetty finished as second runner-up. Vietnam’s representative, Lê Nguyễn Bảo Ngọc, was among the finalists who secured a place in the final group of six contestants. The Miss World title ultimately went to the Dominican Republic’s Joheirry Mola Dominguez.
In the final scene, Mola Dominguez stood alongside her five competitors following the series of rounds designed by this year’s pageant organizers. The judges then announced the final result. Mola Dominguez received the crown from Miss World 2025, Thailand’s Opal Suchata Chuangsri, marking the beginning of a new year of global responsibilities as the pageant’s ambassador.
Her victory holds particular significance for the Dominican Republic, as it marks only the country’s second Miss World title. The achievement further confirms the country’s growing presence on the international beauty pageant stage. Several countries from the Arab and Muslim world also took part in the global competition. Miss Lebanon Perla Harb, Miss Morocco Sheryhan Cherki and Miss Somalia Fowsia Abdullahi Gard were among the contestants.
Joheirry Mola Dominguez’s journey to the crown was not based solely on beauty and appearance. The 2026 edition strongly emphasized the concept of “Beauty with a Purpose,” one of the central themes of the Miss World competition.This year’s format also introduced notable changes to the path toward the crown. The competition began with a Top 40, followed by a Top 20, Top 12 and finally a Top 6. The organizers also incorporated continental competitions and public voting into the process of determining the finalists.
Vietnam’s representative, Lê Nguyễn Bảo Ngọc, was among the contestants who attracted significant attention throughout the competition, particularly because she was competing in the final on home soil in front of her fellow citizens. The final six included representatives from the Dominican Republic, Vietnam, Eritrea, Malaysia, Spain and South Africa.
Vietnam’s selection as host was far from coincidental, as the current edition formed part of the celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of Miss World. From August until the grand finale on September 5, the country hosted a series of activities, events and competitions, culminating in the coronation ceremony in Nha Trang. Fashion played a major role throughout these events, with fashion shows, special beauty competitions, national costume presentations and cultural performances giving contestants an opportunity to showcase the identity and heritage of their respective countries. The Top Model competition was one of the major highlights of the program, after which the pageant moved into its final stages.
Amid dazzling lights, luxurious gowns and dramatic details, the blue crown remained the most striking symbol of the final night. As the crown was placed on Joheirry Mola Dominguez’s head, a long night of competition came to an end and a new journey began for the Dominican beauty queen. Joheirry Mola Dominguez was officially crowned Miss World 2026, bringing the prestigious title back to the Dominican Republic.
