The Miss World 2026 crown has a new home in the Dominican Republic. Joheirry Mola Dominguez was crowned Miss World 2026 at the grand finale in Nha Trang, Vietnam, on September 5, defeating contestants from across the globe at the 73rd edition of the prestigious beauty pageant.
Her victory marks the second Miss World title for the Dominican Republic, more than four decades after the country’s first triumph in 1982.
Who Is Joheirry Mola?
Joheirry Mola Dominguez represented the Dominican Republic at this year’s competition and emerged as the final winner after progressing through the various stages of the competition.
Her victory came during a landmark edition of Miss World, which celebrated 75 years of the organisation while hosting its final in Vietnam for the first time.
The competition brought together 111 national representatives, with contestants participating in challenges involving sports, talent, cultural presentation and social-impact initiatives.
Spain and Malaysia Complete the Podium
Spain’s Elisabeth Reynés finished as the first runner-up, while Malaysia’s Tanusia Chetti secured third place. The result capped weeks of events in Vietnam, where contestants participated in various competitions and the organisation’s signature Beauty With a Purpose programme.
The initiative places emphasis on contestants’ social and humanitarian work alongside the traditional beauty-pageant competition.
What Happened to India’s Nikita Porwal?
India was represented by Nikita Porwal, who had attracted considerable attention during the competition.vPorwal impressed audiences with her cultural presentation, including a performance inspired by Goddess Meenakshi, and also drew attention for a gown inspired by Princess Diana’s iconic sapphire engagement ring.
However, India’s campaign ended before the final stages. Porwal reached the Top 40 but did not advance to the Top 20, meaning India missed out on the crown this year.
Vietnam Hosts a Historic Miss World 2026
The 2026 competition was particularly significant for Vietnam. The country hosted the Miss World pageant for the first time, with events beginning in August before the grand finale in Nha Trang on September 5.
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The pageant’s organisers also highlighted its 75-year legacy and the continuing focus on social causes through Beauty With a Purpose.
Dominican Republic Celebrates a Historic Win
For the Dominican Republic, Mola’s victory represents a major moment in the country’s pageant history. After decades without another Miss World crown, the Caribbean nation has now returned to the top of one of the world’s biggest international beauty competitions.
Joheirry Mola Dominguez is Miss World 2026 — and the Dominican Republic has its second-ever Miss World crown.
