The Dominican Republic has celebrated its second Miss World victory after Joheirry Mola Dominguez was crowned the winner of the 2026 competition in Vietnam.
Mola emerged ahead of 110 contestants during the 75th anniversary edition of the pageant, which concluded in Nha Trang on Saturday, September 5.
Her victory comes 44 years after Mariasela Álvarez delivered the Dominican Republic its first Miss World crown in 1982.
Mola takes over from Thailand’s Opal Suchata Chuangsri, the reigning Miss World 2025 before Saturday’s finale.
Spain’s Elisabeth Reynés Alabern secured the first runner-up position, followed by Malaysia’s Taanusiya Chetty as second runner-up.
One of the defining features of Mola’s campaign was her commitment to education and social development.
Speaking during the final question-and-answer session, the new Miss World drew attention to her Beauty With a Purpose project, through which she works to expand English-language learning opportunities for children in vulnerable communities.
Her message was rooted in the belief that English education can provide children with greater access to opportunities while helping them communicate their ideas and ambitions.
Mola’s advocacy also reflects her career as a Literature and Social Studies teacher and her work through Voices of Tomorrow, an initiative dedicated to promoting English education among children and young people facing difficult circumstances.
The final six lineup featured Mola alongside Vietnam’s Le Nguyen Bao Ngoc, Eritrea’s Snit Habteab Tewoldemedhin and South Africa’s Romanda Hombir.
Vietnam’s hosting of the 2026 event was another milestone, marking the country’s first time staging the Miss World competition.
Nigeria’s Karibi-George Impresses
Nigeria also had reason to celebrate after its representative, Tamunosoye Karibi-George, secured a place among the Top 12 contestants.
Known as Soye, Karibi-George gained an early advantage by winning the Africa Top Model title, which automatically placed her in the Top 40.
She also received considerable backing from Nigerian voters during the People’s Choice phase.
Her journey was driven by the Beyond Labels advocacy platform, which promotes inclusion and better opportunities for children with disabilities and special needs.
Karibi-George ultimately missed out on the final six, but her Top 12 finish marked a strong showing for Nigeria at the 2026 global pageant.
The competition began with 111 contestants and progressed through several stages before the field was reduced to the final six.
