Dominican Republic’s Joheirry Mola Crowned Miss World 2026

The Dominican Republic reclaims Miss World glory after 44 years, crowned in Vietnam before a global audience of millions.

Joheirry Mola Dominguez of the Dominican Republic has been crowned Miss World 2026, securing the country’s second victory in the history of the international beauty pageant.

The 24-year-old educator, journalist and community advocate emerged victorious at the grand finale held on Saturday, September 5, at 2 April Square in Nha Trang, Vietnam.

The event brought together 111 representatives from countries and territories around the world as Miss World celebrated its 75th anniversary.

Mola received the coveted crown from outgoing Miss World, Opal Suchata Chuangsri of Thailand, who became the first Thai woman to win the title in 2025.

Spain’s Elisabeth Reynés Alabern finished as first runner-up, while Malaysia’s Taanusiya Chetty was named second runner-up.

Mola’s victory is a historic one for the Dominican Republic, coming 44 years after Mariasela Álvarez became the Caribbean nation’s first Miss World winner in 1982.

She is now only the second Dominican woman to claim the global crown.

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Throughout the competition, Mola stood out not only for her performance on the pageant stage but also for her advocacy and commitment to education.

She is the founder and president of Voices of Tomorrow, a social initiative focused on expanding access to English-language education for children and young people in vulnerable communities.

Mola has said she believes learning English can provide young people with greater opportunities and equip them with skills that can positively influence their futures.

A graduate of the Universidad Iberoamericana with a degree in Business Management and Administration, Mola teaches Literature and Social Studies in English.

She also works as a news correspondent for Univision New York’s Ventana a Quisqueya, where she covers Dominican culture, social issues and community stories.

She is also a professional model.

During the final stages of the competition, Mola advanced through a field that included contestants from across Africa, Europe, Asia, Oceania, the Americas and the Caribbean before securing a place among the six finalists.

The Top Six also featured representatives from Eritrea, Malaysia, Vietnam, Spain and South Africa.

Mola ultimately prevailed following the final round, completing an impressive journey that began with her selection as Miss World Dominican Republic.

Her coronation has since sparked celebrations in the Dominican Republic, with the achievement hailed as a major moment of national pride.

The victory ends the country’s more than four-decade wait for another Miss World crown.

With her new title, Mola begins her reign as the 73rd Miss World, during which she is expected to continue championing education, community development and the organisation’s longstanding Beauty With a Purpose mission.