Miss World 2026 final: Bảo Ngọc reaches the top 20

Lê Nguyễn Bảo Ngọc reached the top 20 at the Miss World 2026 final, drawing cheers from Vietnamese beauty-pageant fans and keeping her in contention for a higher finish.

The 73rd final took place on September 5 at April 2 Square in Nha Trang, Khánh Hòa, with 111 contestants from countries and territories around the world. Bảo Ngọc advanced after the evening-gown and áo dài presentations. The show was interrupted by rain after more than an hour, but spectators stayed in raincoats and under umbrellas.

Before the final, international pageant websites Sash Factor and Missosology had predicted that Bảo Ngọc could win the crown. During the competition, she joined contestants from around the world in cultural and tourism promotion activities in Vietnam.

Bảo Ngọc won the Asia and Oceania Top Model title, 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 as well.

“Looking back on the journey so far, Ngọc is grateful for what she has received, not only the experience but also the beautiful friendships,” she wrote on her personal page. Bảo Ngọc previously won Miss Intercontinental 2022, finished as first runner-up at Miss World Vietnam 2022 and reached the top 22 at Miss Vietnam 2020. She also served as chief executive of Miss World Vietnam 2025.

“

Looking back on the journey so far, Ngọc is grateful for what she has received, not only the experience but also the beautiful friendships.