Just one month after the Miss France organization officially announced it was ending its partnership with the Miss Universe Organization and would not send a contestant to the 2026 pageant, Miss Universe has revealed a new plan for France.
A newly established selection committee will oversee the search for the country’s next representative, opening applications to women from across France. The winner will go on to represent the nation at Miss Universe 2026, which will be held in Puert o Rico this November.
“The story continues. 🇫🇷 Seventy-five years of Miss Universe. France is part of the story. Coming soon. Are you ready?” the new organization wrote in its first social media post.
In a follow-up post, organizers added, “As we celebrate the 75th Diamond Anniversary of Miss Universe, we’ll soon launch the official selection process to find the woman who will represent France on the global stage in Puerto Rico.”
Another announcement emphasized that the search is open to contestants from every corner of the country, stating: “We’re looking for the woman who will represent France. From every region and territory.”
The winner will receive a prize package that includes €50,000 (about $58,000), a Mercedes-Benz C-Class, a residence in Paris, a designer wardrobe, what organizers describe as a “lucrative reign,” and travel from Paris to Puerto Rico to compete in the international pageant.
Why did Miss France withdraw from Miss Universe?
The split comes in the wake of the controversy surrounding Miss Universe 2025, held in Thailand. After Fátima Bosch of Mexico was crowned the winner, the pageant was overshadowed by rumors questioning the legitimacy of the competition, along with allegations involving Miss Universe Organization owners Raúl Rocha and Anne Jakkaphong.
Against that backdrop, the Miss France organization announced in May that it would no longer participate in the 2026 competition.
“The Miss France Company announces its decision not to participate in the Miss Universe 2026 competition,” the organization said in a statement.
It explained that the decision reflects its commitment to “remain faithful to the identity, commitments, and values of the Miss France competition, which at this time are no longer aligned with the recent direction of the international pageant, particularly following the numerous issues that arose during the 2025 edition.”
© IG: @jewelmeraThe statement continued: “Miss Universe has always been an important milestone and a wonderful opportunity to showcase France on the international stage. However, it is our responsibility to uphold the values and identity of the Miss France competition. The decision we have made today reflects that commitment. We will continue to closely follow future developments.”
© Getty ImagesAlthough it has ended its relationship with Miss Universe, the Miss France organization will continue operating and selecting France’s representatives for other international competitions, including Miss World and Miss Supranational.
Meanwhile, the creation of the new selection committee marks the beginning of a new chapter for Miss Universe France. Even so, Frédéric Gilbert, president of the Miss France organization, said in the original statement that the organization will continue monitoring developments at Miss Universe and hopes France will eventually return to the competition.
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