Saints Head to France for Historic NFL Regular-Season Game in 2026
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
In a landmark moment for American football, the National Football League has confirmed that the New Orleans Saints will participate in the first-ever regular-season NFL game played in France during the 2026 season. This historic matchup, slated for fall 2026, represents a major step in the league’s ongoing efforts to globalize its footprint and bring professional football to new international audiences.
The game will be taking place at the Stade de France in Paris, one of the world’s most iconic sporting venues.
A Milestone in NFL International Expansion
The announcement marks the first time an NFL regular-season game will be at France, a country that has never before hosted such an event. The NFL’s international strategy has steadily grown over the past decade, featuring games in London, Germany, Brazil, and Mexico. The addition of Paris in 2026 further underscores the league’s ambition to expand American football beyond its U.S. borders.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell praised Paris as a global sporting and cultural capital and highlighted the significance of hosting a regular-season game there.
Why the Saints Are the Home Team in Paris
New Orleans was a natural choice as the “home” team for this historic game. The Saints received international marketing rights in France as part of the NFL’s Global Markets Program in 2023, enabling the franchise to significantly expand its brand in key European markets.
Saints owner Gayle Benson expressed her excitement, noting both the cultural ties between Louisiana and France and the opportunity to play before a growing fan base in Paris.
Les Saints s’en viennent à Paris!
The New Orleans Saints announce that we will be the designated team for the 2026 NFL Paris Game! pic.twitter.com/d6tr1WlBye
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) February 2, 2026
Stade de France: A Fitting Stage for NFL History
The regular-season game will take place at the Stade de France, which is also known as one of Europe’s premier stadiums with a capacity of over 80,000 spectators. Built in 1998 for the FIFA World Cup
Conclusion: A New Era for the NFL in Europe
It is noteworthy that the Saints’ trip to Paris for the 2026 regular-season game marks a historic milestone for the NFL, opening a new chapter in the sport’s global expansion.
