The NFL will stage its first-ever regular season game in Paris in 2026, continuing its international expansion and adding France to its growing slate of global host countries.

The historic game will be played at the Stade de France, the nation’s largest stadium, with the New Orleans Saints named as one of the participating teams. The event will be delivered in partnership with GL Events and supported by French national and local authorities.

“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. “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.”

GL Events chairman Olivier Ginon said hosting the game aligns with France’s recent major sporting milestones.

“Hosting the first NFL Paris game at the Stade de France reflects a shared ambition and showcases our ability to bring together different sporting cultures, deliver operational excellence, and position Paris and France as a welcoming destination for the world’s greatest sporting events,” Ginon noted. “Together with the support of the State, local authorities, as well as tourism and hospitality stakeholders, GL Events Group is honoured and proud to work with the NFL to write this new chapter in the history of the Stade de France, fully in line with the legacy of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Saints owner Gayle Benson, who visited the French capital last summer, taking in a European game featuring the Paris Musketeers, highlighted the franchise’s cultural ties to France and its growing fan base in the country. The Saints are currently alone in holding NFL Global Markets Program rights in France, where the league estimates its fan base exceeds 14 million.

“We are excited to be selected to play in the first regular season game to be held in France,” Benson confirmed. “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.”

French minister of sports, youth and community life Marina Ferrari described the game as a symbol of France’s international sporting ambitions.

“Hosting the first-ever NFL regular season game in Paris is a powerful symbol of France’s growing place on the global sporting stage,” Ferrari said. “Following the success and legacy of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, welcoming the NFL to the Stade de France demonstrates our ambition to open France to the world’s greatest sporting competitions.”

Built in 1998, the Stade de France has hosted FIFA and Rugby World Cups, UEFA finals and served as a central venue during the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The full matchup, date and kickoff time for the Paris game will be announced when the 2026 NFL schedule is released this spring, as will further details of International Series fixtures in London, Munich, Madrid and Melbourne.

Photo by Corey Buckley on Unsplash