The Dominican Republic has a new Miss World. Joheirry Mola Dominguez was crowned Miss World 2026 at the grand finale in Nha Trang, Vietnam, on September 5, taking the title at the 73rd edition of the pageant.
Spain’s Elisabeth Reynés finished as the first runner-up, while Malaysia’s Taanusiya Chetty was named second runner-up. Mola received the crown from Thailand’s Opal Suchata Chuangsri, who won the title in 2025.
The 24-year-old educator, model and community advocate entered the competition with a background that extends well beyond pageantry. She holds a degree in Business Management and Administration from Universidad Iberoamericana and teaches Literature and Social Studies in English. She also founded Voices of Tomorrow, an initiative focused on expanding English education for children and young people in vulnerable communities.
That work became central to her final answer. Asked about the Beauty With a Purpose project she would champion as Miss World, Mola spoke about bringing English programmes to children in vulnerable communities. She described language as a practical tool that can give young people greater access to education, communication and future opportunities.
Mola also works as a correspondent for Univision New York’s Ventana a Quisqueya, covering Dominican culture and community stories, alongside her modelling career.
India’s Nikita Porwal made it through to the Top 40 but did not advance to the Top 20. The Ujjain native entered Miss World 2026 after winning Femina Miss India World 2024 and brought a background in television, theatre and acting to the international stage.
Porwal has performed in more than 60 plays and written a 250-page play, Krishna Leela. During the competition, she also represented India through the Dances of the World segment with a look inspired by Goddess Meenakshi.
The Miss World 2026 competition featured 111 national ambassadors and celebrated the pageant’s 75th anniversary. The next edition is scheduled to take place in Tanzania in 2027.
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