Joheirry Mola Dominguez of the Dominican Republic has officially been crowned Miss World 2026. She won during the coronation night on September 5, 2026, in Vietnam, ending a 44-year title drought for her country since Mariasela Álvarez won in 1982.
Spain’s Elisabeth Reynés Alabern claimed first runner-up, while Malaysia’s Taanusiya Chetty took second runner-up.
Mola cemented her frontrunner status early in the competition by winning the Miss World Top Model challenge for the Americas & Caribbean region, which fast-tracked her into the Top 40 quarterfinalists. Beyond pageantry, she is a Business Management graduate, Literature and Social Studies teacher, and founder of Voices of Tomorrow, an organisation dedicated to expanding English education for youth in vulnerable communities.
But Nigeria also had a moment to celebrate. Miss World Nigeria 2026, Soye Karibi-George, proudly represented the country and achieved a monumental finish in the Top 12 semifinals. The Nigerian queen, who previously won the Miss World Top Model Africa title and secured multiple placements in fast-track challenges, delivered a strong showing.
She defeated continental finalists from Equatorial Guinea, Botswana, Kenya, South Africa, and Zimbabwe to claim the Top Model Africa crown earlier in the competition. Her Top 12 finish at the global finals is a proud moment for Nigeria.
The Dominican Republic takes the crown. Nigeria leaves with her head held high. And Soye is already being celebrated as a continental champion.
