Joheirry Mola Dominguez of the Dominican Republic was crowned Miss World 2026 at the 73rd Miss World final held on September 5 in Nha Trang, Vietnam. The final marked the conclusion of a four-week Miss World Festival and formed part of the pageant’s 75th anniversary celebrations. Mola received the crown from Thailand’s Opal Suchata Chuangsri, the reigning Miss World 2025.
The 24-year-old Mola is an educator, journalist, community advocate and professional model. She holds a degree in Business Management and Administration from Universidad Iberoamericana and works as a Literature and Social Studies teacher, teaching in English. She is also a news correspondent for Univision New York’s Ventana a Quisqueya.
Mola entered the competition with education at the center of her advocacy. She is the founder and president of Voices of Tomorrow, an initiative focused on expanding access to English-language education for children and young people in vulnerable communities in the Dominican Republic. Through the project, she promotes education, critical thinking, self-expression and personal development.
Her performance in the competition saw her progress through several stages. Mola secured a place in the Top 40 after winning the Top Model Challenge for the Americas and Caribbean. She subsequently advanced to the Top 20 and Top 12 before reaching the final six contestants. The final six represented South Africa, the Dominican Republic, Vietnam, Spain, Malaysia and Eritrea.
In the final stage, Mola was asked about the Beauty With a Purpose work she had supported in her country and how she would develop it if she became Miss World. She spoke about her experience as an educator and her goal of expanding English-language education among children and young people in vulnerable communities. She highlighted the role of language as a tool for self-expression, education and opportunity. Her response reflected the work already being carried out through Voices of Tomorrow.
Mola ultimately defeated the other finalists to claim the international title. Elisabeth Reynés of Spain was named first runner-up, while Taanusiya Chetty of Malaysia finished as second runner-up.
The victory is significant for the Dominican Republic because it represents the country’s second Miss World title. The country’s first victory came in 1982, when Mariasela Álvarez became the first Dominican woman to win the crown. Mola’s victory therefore ended a 44-year wait for the country to claim the title again.
The 2026 competition brought together 111 national ambassadors and was held in Vietnam for the first time. The four-week festival included Beauty With a Purpose presentations, interviews, challenge events, fashion shows, cultural programs, charitable activities and visits across several Vietnamese destinations. The final was staged at 2 April Square in Nha Trang in an open-air venue beside the sea.
Following her victory, Mola became the 73rd Miss World and also received the continental title of Miss World Caribbean. Her victory places the Dominican Republic back at the top of the Miss World competition more than four decades after its first win.
As Miss World 2026, Mola begins her international reign with education and community service as central themes of her platform. Her work through Voices of Tomorrow will remain an important part of her advocacy as she takes on the responsibilities associated with the Miss World title.
