NFL Makes History: Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints to Clash in First-Ever Paris Game

The National Football League is taking its global expansion to a new milestone. In a historic move to grow the game’s footprint in Europe, the NFL has announced that the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New Orleans Saints will face off in the first-ever regular season game played in Paris, France.

Scheduled for Sunday, October 25, 2026 (Week 7), this landmark event, presented by American Express, marks the first time the league has brought a regular season contest to the French capital, signaling a strategic shift in how the NFL engages with international markets.

Game Day Details: When and Where

The matchup will take place at the iconic Stade de France, the largest stadium in France. For fans planning to tune in or attend, the timing is critical due to the time zone difference:

• Kickoff (French Time): 2:30 p.m. CEST
• Kickoff (Eastern Time): 9:30 a.m. ET
• Kickoff (Central Time): 8:30 a.m. CST

Fans seeking ticket information and the latest updates can visit the official destination at nfl.com/Paris.

A Venue Built for Greatness

The choice of the Stade de France is no coincidence. Built in 1998, the venue is a cornerstone of global sports, serving as the home for the French national soccer and rugby teams. It is the only stadium to have hosted a FIFA World Cup, Rugby World Cup, UEFA Champions League Finals, and UEFA European Championship Finals. Most recently, it played a starring role in the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Beyond sports, the stadium has hosted some of the world’s biggest musical acts, including Beyoncé, U2, Jay-Z, and The Rolling Stones, ensuring the infrastructure is capable of handling the massive scale of an NFL gameday production.

Strategic Growth and Cultural Ties

This game is more than just a scheduled matchup; it’s a calculated effort to deepen the NFL’s connection with European fans. Brett Gosper, NFL Head of Europe & Asia Pacific, described the event as “an exciting new chapter in the league’s global growth efforts,” noting that Paris is a global city synonymous with the world’s greatest sporting and cultural moments.

For the New Orleans Saints, the game carries additional weight. Owner Gayle Benson highlighted the “centuries deep” relationship between Louisiana and France, stating that the game represents a “meaningful step in strengthening those cultural and economic ties.” The Saints are also leveraging this trip to support the NFL’s flag football initiatives in France, which currently engage thousands of young athletes.

Steelers President Art Rooney II echoed this sentiment, stating, “Playing the New Orleans Saints in such a historic setting is a great opportunity to showcase the NFL’s global growth and to connect with fans around the world.”

Overseas Experience: The Saints’ Journey

While this is a first for the city of Paris, the New Orleans Saints are no strangers to international travel. This contest will mark their fourth regular season game played overseas, following three previous appearances in London, England, in 2008, 2017, and 2022.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get tickets for the Paris game?

Fans are encouraged to sign up for ticket information via the official NFL Paris website at nfl.com/Paris.

Which stadium is hosting the game?

The game will be played at the Stade de France, the largest stadium in France and a multi-purpose venue known for hosting the FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Olympics.

Is this a preseason or regular season game?

This is an official regular season game, taking place during Week 7 of the 2026 NFL schedule.

As the NFL continues to expand its reach, the 2026 Paris game stands as a testament to the league’s ambition to become a truly global sport, blending high-stakes competition with international diplomacy and cultural exchange.