The Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints will play the NFL’s first regular-season game in France on October 25, 2026, at the Stade de France outside Paris, and league officials maintain the matchup is on track despite ongoing civil unrest across the French capital.
Sunday’s international clash brings the NFL to a new European market as part of a record nine international games scheduled for the 2026 season. New Orleans serves as the designated home team for the fixture, leaning into historic ties to the French market that date back to the city’s founding in 1718. For running back Alvin Kamara, the trip offers a chance at league history to win so we’ll always have that to brag about,
as he told reporters.
Officials Address Paris Safety Concerns
Civil unrest sparked by rising living costs and school conditions has led to demonstrations and clashes in Paris and other parts of France. The U.S. State Department issued a security alert warning Americans in France to avoid demonstrations and areas of unrest, while local authorities have implemented curfews for the players.
France: Violence and rioting, tied to ongoing protests, have recently occurred in France and may continue. The French government has indicated they will take steps to curb "illegitimate" protests, while those organized by groups such as trade unions would be allowed to proceed.… pic.twitter.com/uqfCkkCeq9
Despite the demonstrations, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell told reporters this week that his comfort level is very high regarding the event’s safety. Goodell noted that he spoke directly with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the matchup. Rubio confirmed that the U.S. Embassy has received no indication that the game will be disrupted, stating we have no indication the game will be impacted in any way
to OutKick and Fox News Digital.
Brett Gosper, the NFL’s head of Europe and Asia-Pacific, reinforced the league’s stance that safety remains the top priority. So we’re all systems go on the game for this Sunday.
The NFL is pressing ahead with its historic Paris game, even as France braces for another round of protests just 24 hours before kickoff.Commissioner Roger Goodell says he's confident the Steelers and Saints can safely take the field Sunday, despite recent unrest that has left… pic.twitter.com/IwEtwGq3Hp
NFL executive vice president Peter O’Reilly reinforced the league’s stance that safety remains the top priority. There’s nothing more important from our standpoint than the teams’ security, the fans’ security, everybody involved with this game,
O’Reilly said as reported by Sky Sports. So we’re all systems go on the game for this Sunday.
Teams Differ on Local Event Plans
While league executives insist preparations remain untouched, individual reactions within the traveling parties have varied. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh organization canceled a planned Steelers House fan event in the Bastille neighborhood following recent local events.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said Wednesday he has a high comfort level in the New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers safely playing in Paris on Sunday in light of the civil unrest there.https://t.co/QDlKGpLZxb
Conversely, the league pushed forward with its own two-day NFL Fan House event at 46 Rue Cambon. Amy Trask, a former CEO of the Oakland Raiders and former member of the NFL’s Security Committee, noted that international fixtures require extensive multi-layered security protocols in an interview with CBS Sports.
Stade de France Prepares Turf
The 80,000-capacity Stade de France, which opened in 1998 and hosted events during the 2024 Paris Olympics, underwent groundskeeping work to accommodate an American football gridiron. Nick Pappas, the NFL’s field director, oversaw a project that began months ago at an Italian farm near Milan.
The grass was transported via truck to Paris. Pappas explained that the field was grown in Milan and brought in by truck to be installed.
To accommodate the visiting rosters, the stadium’s locker rooms required adjustments. The Saints, playing as the designated home team, chose the stadium’s visitor locker room.
RP for your chance to win this Smitty signed Paris Gameday Poster 🇫🇷Get yours at the @SteelersShop ➡️ https://t.co/DQNY1MkwTv pic.twitter.com/gSmWmDQRpb
Steelers Face Saints in Week 7
On the field, the Steelers enter Week 7 with a 4-2 record according to analytics from Sports Betting Dime. Wide receiver DK Metcalf looks to maintain momentum after his performance against the Buccaneers.
The Saints hold a 2-4 record and arrived in France directly following a victory over the New York Giants that halted a three-game skid. Oddsmakers have installed the Steelers as 3.5-point favorites, with moneyline pricing set at -175 for Pittsburgh and +145 for New Orleans. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. local time, or 9:30 a.m. ET, with live national broadcast coverage.
"We are going to be a part of history,"- Alvin Kamara on the #Saints playing the first @NFL game in Paris @NFLFrance | @StadeFrance pic.twitter.com/LOEKgLUyAC
More on Marco Rubio
A weekend event for Pittsburgh Steelers fans in Paris has been canceled because of security concerns following recent street protests in the French capital.https://t.co/tA3qmKUBx1