DÉFI Inter-Alliance 2026

Put your French culture skills to the test and stand a chance to win an extraordinary journey to Belgium!

Join us for LE DEFI 2026, an exciting international quiz competition organized by the Federation of AF USA, in partnership with the Fondation des Alliances Françaises in Paris.

The DÉFI Inter-Alliances 2026 is back. It is a unique international competition that tests your knowledge of French and Francophone culture, geography, and history. Open exclusively to students of participating Alliances Françaises, this quiz offers the opportunity to challenge yourself on a global stage.

The Inter-Alliances Challenge unites Alliance Française chapters from around the world in a dynamic and friendly contest. DEFI is a general knowledge quiz celebrating the richness of French and Francophone cultures. You’ll first compete with fellow learners within your local Alliance, then advance to face participants from across USA. The excitement doesn’t stop there: the top contenders move on to the international stage, joining nearly 300 Alliances worldwide in a global celebration of language, culture, and connection.

In 2026, 14 Alliances Françaises across the U.S. will be competing:
Dallas, Gainesville, San Diego, Miami Metro, Silicon Valley, Reno, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Raleigh, Philadelphia, Hartford, Westchester, and Detroit.

What’s the Challenge?

Participants will take part in a fun, fast-paced quiz in French using the Kahoot platform, covering everything from history, geography, music, sports, and literature to visual arts across Francophone regions.

You’ll need 2 digital devices:

• One (computer/tablet/smartphone) for Zoom to join the event live
  
• One smartphone to answer the quiz questions on Kahoot (free app). Participants must use two digital devices during the competition: one device (computer, tablet, or smartphone) to access Zoom for the virtual event, and a smartphone to answer the Kahoot quiz.
• The quiz includes 20 - 25 questions spread across 4 categories:
  • History & Geography
    
  • Music & Sports
    
  • Literature
    
  • Visual Arts (cinema, painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media)
    

The contest features 4 rounds:

1. Local Round – Hosted by AF Silicon Valley, virtual
   Saturday, May 2 at10 am - The 2 top performers win a book, gift certifcate and more
2. National Round (USA) - virtual
   Saturday, May 16
3. Semi-Final Round (USA, Canada, Caribbean) - virtual
   Saturday, May 23 
4. International Finals in Nice, France 
   In person at Alliance Française of Bruxelles  –  July 2026

The top 2 scorers from each local and national round will earn prizes and advance to the next stage.The top performer from each geographical semi-final wins a spot in the international showdown in Bruxelles! 

Who Can Participate?

• Students of a participating Alliance Française enrolled in an A2-level (or higher) French class
• Must be at least 18 years old by April 29, 2026
• AF staff and board members, as well as French native speakers are not eligible

How Does It Work?

For the first 3 steps online, participants must use two digital devices during the competition: one device (computer, tablet, or smartphone) to access Zoom for the virtual event, and a smartphone to answer the Kahoot quiz. 

The international final will be held in person, also using Kahoot. Finalists will answer the quiz using their smartphones, while questions will be displayed on a screen, with internet connectivity provided by the organizers.

The entire competition will be conducted exclusively in French, and all general knowledge questions will be written only in French.

What Can You Win?

• Local Round Winners: Tote bags filed with goodies and gift certificates
• National Round Winners: Books and surprise goodies
• Geographical Semi-Final Winner: A week-long stay in, with flights and accommodation fully covered to participate in the international final

How to Register

Registration is closed.