NFL to Host Historic First Regular Season Game in France Featuring Saints vs. Steelers

The National Football League (NFL) will hold its first-ever regular season game in France on October 25, 2026, at the iconic Stade de France in Saint-Denis. This landmark event will see the New Orleans Saints take on the Pittsburgh Steelers, marking France as the fifth European country to host a regular season NFL game.

The kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 PM local time, with the Saints designated as the home team. NFL owner Gayle Benson highlighted the cultural and economic connection between Louisiana—home of the Saints—and France, emphasizing the game's role in strengthening these long-standing ties. Marina Ferrari, France's Minister of Sports, Youth, and Associative Life, described the event as a historic milestone, symbolizing France's rising prominence in international sports.

The NFL has been expanding its international presence over two decades, previously holding games in countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, Mexico, and Brazil. France currently ranks as the third-largest European market for the NFL, behind Germany and the UK, according to Brett Gosper, the NFL's director for Europe and Asia-Pacific. The event is expected to feature a halftime show reminiscent of the mini Super Bowls that have become popular in other NFL international games.

Ticket details are expected to be announced soon, with sales likely beginning this summer at prices comparable to NFL games held in other European cities. The 18-week NFL regular season runs from early September to early January, culminating in the highly anticipated Super Bowl.

The Pittsburgh Steelers, one of the NFL's most legendary franchises, hold six Super Bowl titles, while the Saints have secured one championship. The upcoming game at Stade de France not only opens a new chapter for American football in France but also enhances the cultural bridge through sport between France and the United States.

This event reflects the NFL's commitment to growing its global fan base and bringing its premier sporting events to new international audiences, further cementing France's position as a significant hub for American football outside the U.S.