Dominican journalist crowned Miss World 2026

Joheirry Mola has brought the Miss World crown back to the Dominican Republic after a 44-year wait. The 24-year-old was crowned at the final in Nha Trang, Vietnam, securing the country’s second title in the competition’s history.

Mola received the crown from Thailand’s Opal Suchata Chuangsri, the previous titleholder, during the September 5 final at Nha Trang’s 2 April Square. Spain’s Elisabeth Reynés finished second, while Malaysia’s Taanusiya Chetty took third place.

The new Miss World is a teacher, journalist and communications specialist. She studied Business Management and Administration at Universidad Iberoamericana and teaches literature and social studies in English. She also founded Voices of Tomorrow, an organization focused on expanding access to English-language education for children and young people from vulnerable communities.

Through the initiative, Mola emphasizes critical thinking and the ability to express ideas. In the final stage of the competition, she spoke about education’s power to create opportunities for children and presented the experience gained through her social project.

The 2026 edition marked 75 years of Miss World and ended a four-week festival involving contestants from 111 countries and territories. Vietnam hosted the competition for the first time. Contestants were narrowed from 111 to 40, then 20 and 12, before six finalists remained. They represented South Africa, the Dominican Republic, Vietnam, Spain, Malaysia and Eritrea. Romania did not make the top 40.