NFL Announces Historic First Regular Season Game in Paris

The National Football League is set to reach a major milestone in its international expansion efforts this fall. On October 25, 2026, the league will host its first-ever regular season game in France, bringing the spectacle of American football to the iconic Stade de France. The matchup will feature the New Orleans Saints serving as the home team against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

This landmark event underscores the NFL's commitment to growing its global footprint. Commissioner Roger Goodell highlighted Paris as a premier destination for major sporting events, noting that the city's ability to host large-scale cultural gatherings makes it an ideal venue for this historic debut. The game is expected to draw a massive crowd to the national stadium, which has a capacity of over 80,000 spectators.

The New Orleans Saints were a natural choice for this inaugural French contest, as the organization has held international marketing rights in the country since 2023. Saints owner Gayle Benson expressed pride in the selection, emphasizing the deep-rooted cultural and historical ties between Louisiana and France. This game serves as a significant opportunity for the franchise to engage with its expanding European fan base.

For the Pittsburgh Steelers, the trip to Paris represents a high-profile addition to their 2026 schedule. The game is slated for a 2:30 PM local time kickoff, ensuring that fans across Europe and the United States can tune in for the historic clash. As the NFL continues to add new international markets to its calendar, the Paris game stands as a testament to the league's ambition to become a truly global sport.