Miss World 2026 Kicks Off in Vietnam
Miss World 2026 has officially kicked off in Vietnam, with over 120 contestants competing as Malawi is represented by Ireen Navicha.
he 73rd Miss World Festival has officially kicked off in Vietnam, bringing together more than 120 contestants from around the world for the prestigious international pageant.
The month-long event began on August 9, 2026, with contestants arriving in Hanoi before travelling to other parts of Vietnam for a series of cultural activities, challenges and community engagements.
The opening celebrations continued last night with the Miss World Welcome Dinner Party, held at the InterContinental Ha Long Bay, where contestants and organisers gathered for an evening marking the start of this year’s competition.
The 2026 edition is particularly significant as Miss World celebrates its 75th anniversary, while continuing its long-standing Beauty With a Purpose mission.
Contestants are expected to participate in several challenges throughout the festival, including Beauty With a Purpose, Head-to-Head, Top Model, Sports and Multimedia competitions, alongside cultural and community activities.
Malawi is being represented by Ireen Navicha, who was the first runner-up in the 2025 Miss Malawi pageant. a student and an environmental advocate.
Navicha, the daughter of Cabinet minister Mary Navicha, was controversially selected after Miss Malawi organisers snubbed reigning queen Thandi Chisi for the global pageant.
Did you enjoy this article?
Recommend it — Standard Reader surfaces well-loved writing to more readers across the network.