Historic NFL Debut at Stade de France: Steelers Edge Saints 16-10
The NFL's first game in France at Stade de France saw the Pittsburgh Steelers defeat the New Orleans Saints 16-10, highlighted by Aaron Rodgers' historic touchdown pass and a festive atmosphere amid social unrest.
Key details
- The first NFL game in France was held on October 25, 2026, at Stade de France.
- Pittsburgh Steelers defeated New Orleans Saints 16-10, with Aaron Rodgers throwing the first touchdown pass in France.
- Over 77,000 fans attended despite social unrest in France.
- Antoine Dupont and other notable French figures attended the event, highlighting its cultural significance.
On October 25, 2026, the NFL made its historic first appearance in France with a thrilling game at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis. The Pittsburgh Steelers secured a 16-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints, marking a pivotal moment for American football's growth in Europe.
The event drew an impressive crowd of over 77,000 fans, including many traveling from the United States, despite recent social unrest and protests across France. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell had acknowledged concerns about safety, but the electric atmosphere showcased a festive celebration of American sports culture, complete with mascots and cheerleaders enhancing the spectacle.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was a standout player, throwing the first-ever touchdown pass in NFL history on French soil, helping the Steelers to build a halftime lead. This win improved Pittsburgh’s playoff hopes with a strong 5-2 record, while the Saints struggled with a 2-5 standing, facing possible playoff elimination.
French sports star Antoine Dupont, captain of Stade Toulousain and the French national rugby team, was among the notable attendees. Accompanied by his partner Iris Mittenaere, Dupont enjoyed the game just hours after his rugby team’s Top 14 victory over Perpignan, exemplifying the cross-sport enthusiasm the NFL hopes to ignite in France.
The launch of NFL games in France echoes previous successful integrations of American sports events, such as NBA matches held in Paris, reinforcing France’s position as one of Europe's largest consumers of American football.
As the season progresses, this historic game symbolizes not only an expansion of the NFL’s global footprint but also a cultural exchange that strengthens Franco-American sports ties. The Stade de France experience could pave the way for more regular NFL fixtures on French soil, bringing the excitement of American football to a wider European audience.
Source articles (3)
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lefigaro.fr Oct 25, 2026
NFL : les Steelers d’Aaron Rodgers remportent une première historique au Stade de France
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ouest-france.fr Oct 25, 2026
EN IMAGES. Stars en tribunes, Stade de France bondé… Revivez le premier match de l’histoire de la NFL en France
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ladepeche.fr Oct 25, 2026
VIDÉO. Antoine Dupont : avant de retrouver le XV de France à Marcoussis, le capitaine du Stade Toulousain présent au Stade de France avec Iris Mittenaere pour assister au premier match de NFL en France
Source comparison
Date of the NFL game
Sources report different dates for the NFL game in France.
lefigaro.fr
"The game took place on October 25, 2026"
ladepeche.fr
"The historic first NFL game in France was held on October 25, 2023"
Why this matters: One source claims the game took place on October 25, 2026, while another states it was on October 25, 2023. This fundamental discrepancy affects the timeline of the event.