The competition
Miss France and Miss Universe: what changed in 2026
Two organisations, two competitions. Since May 2026, France’s delegate to Miss Universe is no longer the winner of Miss France. Here is what happened, in order, with the sources.
What happened
-
28 May 2026
The Miss France company withdraws from Miss Universe
In a statement, the Miss France company announces it will not send its winner to the 2026 edition, citing a wish to “remain faithful to the identity, commitments and values of the Miss France competition” and “numerous dysfunctions of the 2025 edition”. Its president, Frédéric Gilbert, says the company will remain attentive to how the competition develops. source — CNews, 28 May 2026
-
29 May 2026
Miss Universe confirms France and takes the franchise in-house
The next day, the Miss Universe Organization confirms that France will compete in 2026 and announces that it will oversee the French platform directly. source — Hola, 29 May 2026
-
July 2026
A selection committee, an open application
A newly formed selection committee is charged with choosing France’s representative. Applications are open to women from across France. It is this organisation that publishes this site, and its rules require no prior regional title. source — Hola, 3 July 2026
-
14 to 28 August 2026
Applications
The application form is open for two weeks, online, free of charge. It has since closed. The 2026 class of finalists was chosen by the leadership committee on 31 August.
What it changes for a candidate
No regional circuit
There is no departmental or regional election to win first. You apply directly, online.
Two separate competitions
Miss France continues to exist and to crown its winner. It no longer competes at Miss Universe. Having taken part in one counts for nothing in the other, in either direction.
Its own rules
Eligibility follows Miss Universe’s rules, not Miss France’s. They are set out on the competition page.
What it does not change
France has won Miss Universe twice, in 1953 with Christiane Martel and in 2016 with Iris Mittenaere. That record belongs to France, not to an organisation, and it is kept here, row by row, with the source for each edition.
The international final takes place on 24 November 2026 at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot, in Puerto Rico. It is prepared, announced and followed on this page.
Sources
Every date above links to the source it was checked against. Facts about this organisation itself (the application window, the naming of the finalists) are first-hand.
- CNews, Miss Univers : la France se retire du concours (28 May 2026), retrieved 17 September 2026.
- Hola, France Withdraws From Miss Universe 2026, Organization Responds (29 May 2026), retrieved 17 September 2026.
- Hola, The saga continues: Miss Universe confirms France will compete in the 2026 pageant (3 July 2026), retrieved 17 September 2026.
Still a question?
The FAQ covers the difference between the two competitions, eligibility and the schedule. For a pre-publication check, the press page gives the contact.