Hinaupoko Devèze, a 23-year-old from Tahití, was crowned Miss France 2026 on December 6 in the Zénith d’Amiens; her win marks a turning point for the pageant, with Paris Match highlighting the increased focus on mental health, cultural diversity, and redefining beauty standards. Devèze, who grew up in Tahití and Nueva Caledonia before moving to southern France, faced significant challenges during the pandemic, including a burnout that required support from her father, a psychiatrist, and her mother, an auxiliary nurse.

Changing the Miss France Area

Devèze’s story of resilience and her diverse background, including growing up in a reconstituted family with five half-siblings, have made her a symbol of inclusivity. After recovering, she shifted her focus to psychology and worked in sustainable tourism in French Polynesia. She only decided to compete after being invited to represent Tahiti. In 2023, she began modeling and gained public attention for her authenticity and charisma.

Miss France 2027 will be held in December 2026. Ahead of the event, each region is selecting its representative. The Île-de-France regional contest is set for September 20, 2026, at the Espace Pierre Bachelet in Dammarie-lès-Lys. Devèze is expected to attend. The departmental elections are still ongoing, with Miss Essonne 2026 scheduled for May 17, and Miss Paris, Juliette Bizot, already crowned on May 5 in Paris.

France National Football Team Updates

Meanwhile, France’s national football team is preparing for the World Cup with some unexpected absences. According to Deschamps, core players like Camavinga and Kolo Muani have been left out. Camavinga had a difficult season with reduced playing time and injuries. Deschamps acknowledged the player’s early career with the national team but emphasized the need for squad balance: “I have choices to make the squad structure also has to be even among the defenders, the midfielders and the forwards. But I understand and I imagine his enormous disappointment this evening.”

Goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier was also absent from the squad after losing his starting spot at PSG and not playing since January. Deschamps cited sporting performance as the main criterion: “I understand that Lucas Chevalier may be disappointed, but he hasn’t played for several months anymore. At the time when he could have had some playing time, he didn’t get any.”

France’s Strong Attack and World Cup Hopes

Despite the absences, France’s squad remains strong, with Kylian Mbappé, Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Michael Olise, Rayan Cherki, and Maghnes Akliouche forming a powerful attacking line. Goalkeeper Robin Risser received a call-up after a standout season with Lens, where he helped the team achieve the second-best defense in Ligue 1. Risser will serve as the third goalkeeper behind Mike Maignan and Brice Samba.

France has been drawn in Group I and will face Senegal, Iraq, and Norway during the group stage. Deschamps expressed ambition but also humility: “I have ambition, and I want the players to have it too. But I don’t want us to lose our humility. I’m not going to hide and say we’re not among the teams with the potential to become world champions. But there are eight, maybe 10 teams that can say that.”