Joheirry Mola Dominguez of the Dominican Republic has been crowned Miss World 2026, marking a significant milestone as her nation secures its second title 44 years after Mariasela Álvarez’s win in 1982.
The announcement was made during the grand finale held in Nha Trang, Vietnam, on September 5, where Mola triumphed over 110 other contestants in a pageant celebrating its 75th anniversary. She succeeds Opal Suchata Chuangsri of Thailand, who held the title of Miss World 2025. Elisabeth Reynés Alabern from Spain earned the first runner-up position, while Taanusiya Chetty from Malaysia was named second runner-up.
Mola’s victory is attributed to her commitment to social impact initiatives. During the question-and-answer segment of the competition, she highlighted her ‘Beauty With A Purpose’ project aimed at providing English language lessons for children in underprivileged communities.
Advocacy and Background
When discussing her plans as Miss World, Mola emphasized her goal of making English accessible to children, viewing it as a vital tool for creating opportunities and enhancing self-expression. Her advocacy work is informed by her professional background as a teacher in Literature and Social Studies, as well as her role as the founder of ‘Voices of Tomorrow’, an initiative dedicated to improving English education for young people from aspiring environments.
In the final stages of the competition, Mola was joined by five other finalists, including Le Nguyen Bao Ngoc from Vietnam, Snit Habteab Tewoldemedhin from Eritrea, and Romanda Hombir from South Africa. This edition of Miss World was notable as it was the first time the event was held in Vietnam.
A total of 111 contestants participated in the event, which was narrowed down progressively to a Top 40, then a Top 20, Top 12, and finally the six finalists. Representing Nigeria, Tamunosoye Karibi-George achieved a commendable performance by reaching the Top 12. Known as Soye, she gained recognition after winning the Africa Top Model title, which enabled her to qualify directly for the competition’s Top 40.
Karibi-George promoted her platform, ‘Beyond Labels’, which advocates for the inclusion and opportunities available to children with disabilities. Her success in the competition reflects Nigeria’s growing presence on the global pageant stage.
This year’s Miss World event not only celebrated beauty but also emphasized social responsibility and the importance of advocacy in the realm of pageantry.
Why It Matters
Mola’s win is a significant achievement for the Dominican Republic, revitalizing national pride and drawing attention to crucial social issues that affect vulnerable communities. Her commitment to education and empowerment for children highlights the broader responsibilities that come with the title of Miss World.
