Dominican Republic beauty crowned Miss World 2026 in historic Vietnam finale

The 24-year-old succeeded Opal Suchata of Thailand, who handed over the crown during the grand finale of the 73rd edition of the contest, held at April 2 Square in the coastal province of Khanh Hoa.

Dominguez outperformed 110 other contestants from around the globe to secure the title, having previously won the Top Model fast-track event for the Americas and Caribbean region prior to the coronation night. 

The representative from Malaysia was named first runner-up, while the contestant from Spain secured the second runner-up title.

Standing 1.75 meters tall, Dominguez works as a model, teacher, and reporter. 

She leads the "Voices of Tomorrow" initiative, a social project dedicated to expanding English language learning opportunities for children and youth in underprivileged communities.

During the final Q&A segment, when asked by Pham Kim Dung, President of Miss World Vietnam, about her community initiatives and plans to advance the pageant's "Beauty With a Purpose" mission, Dominguez emphasized the transformative power of language education.

She highlighted her efforts to expand English language access for children in underserved communities, calling it a vital tool for lifelong opportunity.

Addressing the audience, she explained that language serves as an essential channel for people to articulate emotions, share perspectives, and work toward their ambitions. 

She added that empowering young people with such an enduring resource remains the most impactful commitment she intends to champion.

Host nation representative Le Nguyen Bao Ngoc finished in the top six alongside contestants from Eritrea, Malaysia, the Dominican Republic, Spain, and South Africa. This result marks Vietnam's highest-ever placement in the history of the pageant.

During the Q&A segment, when asked how she defines success in a world where it is often measured by wealth, status, and career achievements, Bao Ngoc credited her parents -- both doctors -- as her inspiration. 

She recalled witnessing them spend countless nights in emergency rooms, which taught her the true value of dedication and selflessness. 

She explained that while she chose not to follow their career path into medicine, she aims to serve society through public policy to help build a more sustainable, equitable, and secure future.

Tanzania has been announced as the host country for the upcoming 74th edition of the pageant.

First staged in 1951, Miss World is among the oldest international beauty pageants, placing a strong emphasis on humanitarian work and charitable contributions by its winners.