The wait is finally over as the Miss World 2026 Grand Finale takes place today, September 5, in Nha Trang, Vietnam, bringing the 73rd Anniversary celebration of the global pageant to its climax.
The 2026 contest is the 73rd edition of Miss World, but this year’s festival marks 75 years since the pageant was founded in 1951. The celebration has brought together 111 contestants from around the world, who have spent weeks competing in various challenges while taking part in cultural and humanitarian activities across Vietnam.
Unlike a competition based solely on physical appearance, the Miss World format places considerable emphasis on communication, talent, social advocacy and the contestants’ ability to use their platforms to create social impact.
The final selection will begin with the Top 40, before the field is reduced to the Top 20, Top 12 and eventually the Top 6. From the final six, the new Miss World and two runners-up will be crowned.
The event also marks the first time Vietnam is hosting Miss World 2026, with Nha Trang providing the setting for the anniversary finale.
The finale is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. UK time, which is 1 p.m. in Nigeria, on Saturday, September 5. International coverage and streaming options have been announced for viewers around the world.
FG Rallies Support for Soye
The Federal Government has called on Nigerians to back 26-year-old Tamunosoye Karibi-George, Miss World Nigeria 2026, by casting their votes for her at the 73rd Miss World Festival in Vietnam.
Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, issued the public appeal via X on Friday, September 5, as the global pageant reached its final phase.
Musawa commended Karibi-George—popularly known as Soye—for securing the Africa’s Top Model title and advancing to the competition’s Top 40, describing the milestones as a national achievement.
In her message, the minister underscored the time-sensitive nature of the exercise, noting that only nine hours remained before the voting window officially closed.
“Nigerians continue to stand with you. There are just 9 hours left to vote, and the window is closing fast. Soye needs every vote and every point matters for the stages ahead,” she said.
A Chance to Follow Agbani Darego
Karibi-George’s pageant journey carries historical significance for Nigeria, evoking memories of one of the country’s most celebrated achievements on the global stage.
Nigeria recorded a landmark victory in 2001 when Agbani Darego became the first Black African woman to claim the Miss World crown, setting a historic precedent for the nation and the continent.
Twenty five years later, Karibi-George stands positioned to build upon that legacy.
She enters the grand finale with a distinct strategic advantage; having already secured a guaranteed place in the Top 40 through her Top Model Africa win, she bypasses the initial elimination rounds as the contestant pool narrows throughout the event.
Read Also: Soye Karibi-George Wins Miss World Africa Top Model, Locks Top 40 Spot
