Vietnam set to host Miss World for the first time

Vietnam is set to make pageant history as it prepares to host the Miss World competition for the first time at the end of 2026. The Miss World Vietnam organization confirmed on Wednesday that over 130 contestants from across the globe will gather in the country for what they described as a "special celebration" of international unity and beauty.

Further details regarding the prestigious event are expected to be unveiled on March 29, 2026, during the grand finale of Miss World Vietnam 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City. Julia Morley, the chairwoman of the Miss World organization, will be in attendance to provide more information on the scheduling and specific locations for the global contest.

Representing the host nation this year is Le Nguyen Bao Ngoc, a 25-year-old standout from Can Tho. Standing at an impressive 1.86 meters, Ngoc brings significant experience to the stage, having previously served as the first runner-up for Miss World Vietnam 2022 and securing the international title of Miss Intercontinental later that same year.

Established in the United Kingdom in 1951, Miss World remains one of the most influential pageants globally, rivaled only by Miss Universe. In recent decades, the organization has pivoted toward its "Beauty with a Purpose" mission, prioritizing contestants who demonstrate a high level of intelligence and a tangible commitment to humanitarian and community service.

The selection of Vietnam as a host highlights the country's growing prominence in the international pageant circuit. By bringing the world's longest-running beauty competition to Southeast Asia, organizers aim to showcase Vietnamese culture while continuing the pageant's legacy of recognizing women who balance aesthetic grace with social impact.