Dominican beauty crowned Miss World 2026 as Vietnam’s Bao Ngoc finishes in top six

Joheirry Mola Dominguez of the Dominican Republic took the Miss World 2026 crown on the night of September 5, overcoming 110 contestants at Nha Trang’s April 2 Square in Khanh Hoa province.

Malaysia’s representative was named first runner-up, with Spain’s contestant taking second runner-up. Vietnam’s Bao Ngoc stopped in the top six, a result that left local audiences disappointed but gave the country its strongest finish in Miss World history. The final six also included contestants from Eritrea and South Africa.

Dominguez, 24, works as a model, teacher and journalist. She also leads Voices of Tomorrow, a project aimed at helping disadvantaged children and teenagers learn English.

During the question-and-answer round, Bao Ngoc was asked how she defined success in a world that often links it to wealth, status and career achievements. She said her parents, both doctors, had shaped her understanding through their dedication and sacrifice. “My parents are both doctors, and they taught me the value of devotion and sacrifice for others,” she said. She added that she hoped to contribute as a policy-maker, helping shape a future that is better, more sustainable, safer and more equal.

Bao Ngoc won the Asia and Oceania Top Model event, earning a place in the top 40. She also reached the top 20 in the Head to Head Challenge, the top 23 in Talent and the top 24 in Beauty With a Purpose. Her team won the Head Chef Beauty event. Tanzania is scheduled to host Miss World 2027. The pageant, first held in 1951, marked its 75th anniversary in 2026.

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My parents are both doctors, and they taught me the value of devotion and sacrifice for others.