The New Orleans Saints will play a regular season game near Paris this fall, officials said Monday, adding another international locale to the NFL’s ongoing bid to globalize the uniquely American sport.
The exact date and opponent were not immediately announced in what’s going to be the league’s first foray into France.
The NFL regularly plays games in the United Kingdom and has held contests in Brazil, Germany, Mexico, Ireland and Spain.
The Saints game will be played at Stade de France, the national stadium of France in Saint-Denis, just north of Paris.
“Bringing a regular season game to Paris in 2026 marks an exciting next step in the continued expansion of the league’s global footprint,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “Paris is one of the world’s greatest sporting and cultural cities with tremendous success in hosting global events that unite fans on the biggest stages.”
This French game will come off the Saints’ home schedule for 2026, NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy said.
So the opponent could be the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Arizona Cardinals or Las Vegas Raiders.
That announcement is expected to be made in the spring, McCarthy added.
Selection of the Saints for this first French game makes historical sense.
The Saints wear a fleur-de-lis on their helmets, paying tribute to the New Orleans’ long connection to France and French culture.
The United States paid France $15 million in the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, nearly doubling the size of the young nation.