SAN FRANCISCO − The NFL’s European football invasion will continue on to the mainland this year, as the league announced on Feb. 2 it will stage its first regular-season game in Paris. The matchup wasn’t fully revealed, but the New Orleans Saints will comprise half of it.
“Bringing a regular season game to Paris in 2026 marks an exciting next step in the continued expansion of the league’s global footprint,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell 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. Playing our first‑ever regular season game at the impressive Stade de France, together with the New Orleans Saints, underlines our continued global growth ambitions and we look forward to bringing the NFL to our passionate fans in France.”
NFL’s first Paris game to be played at Stade de France
The Stade de France that Goodell referenced will be the site of the contest and serves as the country’s national stadium. Located just outside Paris in Saint-Denis, it is the country’s largest stadium and can accommodate nearly 80,000 spectators. It opened in 1998 and hosted that year’s World Cup. It is the only stadium to have hosted a FIFA World Cup, Rugby World Cup, UEFA Champions League Finals and UEFA European Championship Finals. It was also used for the 2024 Olympic & Paralympic Games.
The Saints have international marketing rights in France as part of the league’s Global Markets Program.
“We are excited to be selected to play in the first regular season game to be held in France,’ said Saints owner Gayle Benson in a statement.
“This moment is special not only because of the strong cultural connection between Louisiana and France, but also because we will compete before a growing Saints fan base in Paris. I am grateful to the NFL, Commissioner Roger Goodell and the French Government, especially Laurent Bili, Ambassador of France to the United States, Samuel Ducroquet, Ambassador of France to Sport, for helping make this historic event possible.”
New Orleans’ opponent and the date of the game will be announced when the league’s 2026 schedule is released this spring. The NFL has already committed to eight international games next season.
The NFL, which played its first games in Ireland and Madrid in 2025, also announced a new multiyear agreement to continue playing in Madrid.
What international games will the NFL play in 2026?
One game in Melbourne, Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, featuring the Los Angeles Rams as one of the participating teams.
One game in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil at the Maracanã Stadium.
One game in Munich, Germany at FC Bayern Munich Arena.
Three games in London, U.K.
One game in Madrid, Spain at the Bernabéu Stadium – home to Real Madrid C.F.
One game in Paris, France, at the Stade de France Stadium, featuring the New Orleans Saints as one of the participating teams.
