The competition
How Miss Universe works
Seventy-five editions, more than a hundred and twenty participating countries. Here are the essentials, and what has changed for France.
What is Miss Universe?
Founded in 1952, Miss Universe is one of the oldest and most watched of the major international competitions. Miss World, founded in 1951, predates it by a year. Each participating country is represented by one woman, chosen by whichever national organisation holds the franchise.
The competition runs over roughly three weeks in the host country: delegations arrive, then preliminary rounds, panel interviews, national costume, swimwear and evening gown, and finally the televised final, where the field narrows to a Top 30, then Top 12, Top 5, and the crown.
The titleholder reigns for a year. She travels, carries the competition’s causes, and hands the crown on at the next edition.
Miss Universe 2026
The 75th edition takes place on 24 November 2026 at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It is the fourth time Puerto Rico has hosted, after 1972, 2001 and 2002.
The 75th anniversary gives this edition particular weight: it is the year the competition looks back at itself, and the year to be seen at it.
Miss Universe France is not Miss France
The confusion is understandable and worth clearing up plainly.
| Miss France | Miss Universe France | |
|---|---|---|
| Run by | Société Miss France | Miss Universe France, under the international organisation’s oversight |
| Entry | Regional then national pageants | Direct, open application |
| Territory | French regions and territories | French regions and territories |
The two can coexist. They simply no longer lead to the same title.
The calendar
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June – August 2026
Applications
The form closed at the end of 28 August 2026.
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Upcoming
Selection
Review, interviews, and the naming of France’s representative by the leadership committee.
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24 November 2026
Miss Universe 2026 final
Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The next stages will be published as soon as they are fixed. This page is updated first.
Frequently asked
Do I need to have won a regional title?
No. That is the central change. The selection is open to direct application.
Do the overseas territories count?
Not all of them, and that is good news for the women it affects: Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion and Saint-Martin each hold their own Miss Universe franchise and send their own delegate to the 2026 edition. If you are from one of those, it is that organisation you should approach, not this one. Eligibility criteria for the French selection will be published with the rules.
Can I apply now?
No. Applications were received from June to August 2026, and the form is closed. The next stages will be announced on this site.
What happens to Miss France?
Nothing changes for Miss France because of us. That competition simply no longer names France’s Miss Universe representative.
Is there a cost for candidates?
Applying is free: no application fee exists. Any other financial terms will be published with the rules.
Applications have closed.
The form was open from June to August 2026. The next stage of the selection will be announced on this site.