Miss World 2026 crown to the Dominican Republic - Pratibha from Sri Lanka out of the final 40

Joheiry Mola Domínguez, representing the Dominican Republic, successfully claimed the crown at the 73rd Miss World pageant, held on September 05, 2026, on an outdoor beachfront stage in Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam. Marking the 75th anniversary of the pageant and held for the first time in Vietnam, she was crowned by last year's Miss World, Opal Suchata Chuwang Sri of Thailand.

This marks the second time the Dominican Republic has won the Miss World crown, following Mariasela Álvarez's victory 44 years ago in 1982. Among contestants from 111 countries, Elizabeth Reines Alabern of Spain secured the first runner-up title, and Thanushia Chetty of Malaysia was named the second runner-up.

Joheiry Mola, 24, holds a degree in Business Management and works as an English medium teacher and journalist. Her social service project, "Voices of Tomorrow," which she initiated to provide English language education to children in vulnerable communities, and her excellent answer in the final round's Q&A segment were key factors in her victory. Having defeated contestants from numerous countries, she was also the sole representative from the American and Caribbean regions to reach the final round. During this year's pageant, organizers officially announced that the next, 74th Miss World pageant, is scheduled to be held in Tanzania.

Representing Sri Lanka in this year's pageant was 27-year-old Prathibha Liyanarachchi, a technical designer and lecturer. A graduate of the University of Moratuwa, she showcased remarkable talent in the preliminary rounds held in Vietnam, making it into the top 24 globally and the top 6 in the Asia and Oceania region for the 'Beauty With a Purpose' segment. Additionally, she successfully reached the top 24 in the Talent and Sports categories, and the top 60 in the Top Model category.

However, despite the success achieved in these preliminary segments, Sri Lanka did not qualify for the Top 40 round announced on the grand finale night. The last best performance by Sri Lanka in the history of the Miss World pageant was Sade Greenwood's selection into the Top 40 in 2021.