Joheirry Mola Dominguez of the Dominican Republic has been crowned Miss World 2026, defeating a strong field of contestants at the 73rd edition of the global beauty pageant held on Saturday, September 5, in Nha Trang, Vietnam.
Mola emerged ahead of Spain’s Elisabeth Reynés, who finished as First Runner-Up, while Malaysia’s Taanusiya Chetty secured Second Runner-Up.
The Dominican Republic’s victory was the highlight of a grand finale that marked 75 years of Miss World, the world’s oldest international beauty pageant.
Mola, who holds a degree in Business Management and Administration, is also the founder of Voices of Tomorrow, a community advocacy organisation focused on youth empowerment.
Her victory adds another major international achievement to the Dominican Republic’s growing profile in global pageantry, with Mola combining beauty, leadership and community advocacy to secure the coveted crown.
Nigeria’s representative, Tamunosoye Karibi-George, delivered a strong performance at the competition, advancing to the Top 12 before her journey came to an end.
Her achievement placed Nigeria among the leading contestants in the 2026 edition and further strengthened the country’s reputation as a major force in international beauty pageantry.
Meanwhile, Malawi celebrated its best-ever performance at Miss World after representative Ireen Navicha secured a historic Top 40 finish.
Navicha advanced through the judges’ choice after earlier impressing in the Beauty With a Purpose challenge, where she reached the Top Six in Africa.
Her Top 40 finish marks the first time a Malawian contestant has reached that stage of the Miss World competition.
Although her campaign ended in the Top 40, Navicha’s performance placed Malawi firmly on the international pageant map, with her representation described as a source of pride and inspiration for young women across the country.
The 2026 Miss World finale brought together contestants from across the globe in a celebration centred on beauty, talent, purpose and social impact, with the Dominican Republic ultimately taking home the coveted crown.
