Saints to play Pittsburgh Steelers in NFL's first Paris game on Oct. 25

The National Football League (NFL) has scheduled the New Orleans Saints to play the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first regular-season game held in Paris, France, on October 25, 2026. The match will take place at the Stade de France, the country’s largest stadium, and will begin at 8:30 AM CST (2:30 PM CEST). The venue has hosted major global sporting events, including the FIFA World Cup, Rugby World Cup, and the 2024 Olympic Games, as well as concerts by artists like U2 and Beyoncé. The game marks the Saints’ fourth overseas regular-season appearance, following three prior contests in London, England (2008, 2017, 2022). Saints Owner Gayle Benson emphasized the historic significance, noting Louisiana’s centuries-long connection to France, including its origins as a French colony before the 1803 Louisiana Purchase. The partnership aligns with the NFL’s global expansion efforts and the Saints’ role in promoting business and tourism ties between New Orleans and France. In 2023, the NFL awarded the Saints exclusive international marketing rights in France, making them the first team under the league’s Global Markets Program. This initiative allows the organization to collaborate with Louisiana Economic Development (LED) and French government officials, including Ambassador Laurent Bili and Consul General Rodolphe Sambou, to foster economic and cultural growth. The game also supports NFL Flag football in France, which launched in 2023 with over 8,000 participating youth athletes. The event is organized in partnership with GL events and backed by French authorities, including the Department of Sports, Youth and Community Life, the Fédération Française de Football Américain (FFFA), and local governments. With over 14 million NFL fans in France, the game aims to further expand the league’s global footprint while celebrating Paris’s status as a world leader in sports and culture. NFL Head of Europe & Asia Pacific Brett Gosper called the match ‘an exciting new chapter’ in the league’s international growth, highlighting Paris’s reputation for iconic sporting and cultural moments. The game will bring NFL excitement to French fans and global audiences, reinforcing the league’s commitment to global expansion.