Dominican Republic wins Miss World crown after 44 years

The Miss World crown is returning to the Dominican Republic after 44 years. Joheirry Mola, a 24-year-old teacher and broadcaster, won the 2026 final in Nha Trang, Vietnam, over Spain’s Elisabeth Reynés.

Mola made purpose, service and education the center of her campaign. During the question round, she argued that beauty extends beyond physical appearance and should be tied to the ability to create positive change.

“As a woman, I want to offer the story of a woman who has broken barriers, who knows that physical beauty is not everything and that her purpose is greater than herself,” Mola said. She also spoke about her work as a teacher and her desire to help children understand the importance of purpose and service.

“

As a woman, I want to offer the story of a woman who has broken barriers, who knows that physical beauty is not everything and that her purpose is greater than herself

“As a teacher, it makes me very happy to share knowledge with my children, but I want them to know that life is about having a purpose and serving,” she said. Her victory follows Mariasela Álvarez’s 1982 win, the first Miss World title for the Dominican Republic.

Thailand’s Opal Suchata Chuangsri, who won the previous title in May 2025 in India, passed the crown to Mola. Organizers said the 2027 competition will take place in Tanzania in September. The British-origin contest divides contestants into four regional groups and gives increasing space to social causes and current affairs.

“

As a teacher, it makes me very happy to share knowledge with my children, but I want them to know that life is about having a purpose and serving