MANILA, Philippines — Joheirry Mola Dominguez of the Dominican Republic was crowned Miss World 2026 Saturday evening held in Nha Trang, Vietnam.
Elisabeth Reynés Alaber of Spain finished second, while Taanusiya Chetty of Malaysia placed third. Vietnam’s Lê Nguyễn Bảo Ngọc, who represented the host country, also advanced to the Top 6.
Emerging as the winner of the 73rd edition of the international pageant, Dominguez claimed the crown after facing the final question-and-answer round, where the finalists were asked about their Beauty With a Purpose advocacies.
She was asked, “Which Beauty With a Purpose cause have you supported in your country, and how would you improve it if you were crowned Miss World?”
Dominguez answered, “My Beauty With a Purpose is to take English programs to kids in vulnerable communities, because I believe that when they know this language, the opportunities, the doors that can open to their life, it's huge, big doors,” she said.
She also described English as a tool that allowed the contestants to express their feelings and purposes on the Miss World stage.
“For me, it's something that I will take always in my heart, that I could give those kids... something very important. It's a tool they're gonna work [with] for the rest of their life,” she added.
The Philippines’ Asia Rose Simpson settled for a Top 12 finish after advancing to the continental round as one of the Top 2 representatives of Asia and Oceania, alongside Bảo Ngọc.
Megan Young remains the Philippines’ only Miss World titleholder, having made history as the country’s first winner in 2013.
