According to the 2025 format, Miss World selects contestants according to each continental region. From the top 40 (each region 10 people), the judges will narrow down to the top 20 (each region 5 people), then the top 8 (each region 2 people) and finally the top 4 - each region only has 1 representative competing for the crown. This means that to go deep, contestants must not only stand out in general but also overcome strong opponents in the same Asia - Oceania region.
Therefore, if 2026 takes the format like 2025, many viewers expect Bao Ngoc to be in the top 8 or top 4. This is considered a "breakthrough" milestone compared to previous Vietnamese representatives such as Tran Ngoc Lan Khue (top 11), Do Thi Ha (top 13) or Luong Thuy Linh (top 12). These achievements have caused controversy because Vietnam has repeatedly "approached" the deep top but has not been able to break into the group competing for the crown.
Reaching the top 8 means Bao Ngoc becomes one of the two best representatives in the region. If she advances to the top 4, she will be a representative of the continent, having the opportunity to compete directly for the Miss title. This is also the reason why Top 8 is considered a "safe" goal, while top 4 is an ambitious expectation.
Bao Ngoc's biggest advantage comes from playing at home. The support from the audience, the media and better prepared conditions can help her make her mark in the sub-competitions - an important factor to win a spot in the top 40.
In addition, international competition experience along with foreign language skills and social thinking are also plus points suitable for the "Beauty with a Purpose" criteria of Miss World.
However, the pressure is also significant. Playing at home means that every step is closely monitored, while the Asia-Oceania region is always a fiercely competitive "arena" with many strong representatives. This makes the journey to the top 8 or top 4 not only depend on individual form but also on overall strategy.
It can be seen that the audience's expectations for Bao Ngoc are not only stopping at "in-top" (reaching the top), but exceeding the old limit of Vietnam's achievements at Miss World. In the context of the contest emphasizing regional factors, reaching the top 8 is already a noteworthy milestone, but the top 4 is truly an affirmation of position.
