NFL Announces 'Final' Decision On Playing Games In Paris

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images&period;

NFL Announces 'Final' Decision On Playing Games In Paris

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Holleran | Last updated Oct 25, 2026 9:56 AM ET

The NFL is playing a game in Paris, France on Sunday morning, despite growing unrest in the iconic city.

The New Orleans Saints are taking on the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. The game is taking place after several weeks of public protests in the city. Citizens of Paris have grown frustrated by rising costs of living, quality of schools and more. The protests have grown violent at times.

U.S. President Donald J. Trump suggested that the NFL move the game.

“Well, you worry about it,” he said. “It’s not — I think maybe it’s looking like tomorrow’s gonna be a bad day in France. So you worry about it. I would have said the NFL could have probably postponed that match, if you want to know the truth. Because France is really in trouble.”

But the NFL stuck with it.

Oct 24, 2026; Paris, France; Pittsburgh Steelers fans Tim Burrola (left) and Wendy Burrola of West Covina, Calif. pose with Terrible Towel with Eiffel Tower as a backdrop at the NFL Flag Experience at Champ de Mars. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesKirby Lee-Imagn Images.

On Sunday, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced that the league will be returning to Paris for more games in the future.

Goodell said that there is “zero doubt” that the NFL will be back.

The NFL commissioner added that it’s “likely” that the league will add an international franchise or two, too.

NFL Commish Goodell at Sunday breakfast sponsored by @Saints owner Gayle Benson today said he had “zero doubt” NFL would be back in Paris with another game and also said it was “likely” there would be an international NFL franchise but…did not say when or where.
— Joe Browne (@JBeonTheHill) October 25, 2026

NFL faces backlash for international plans

The NFL is facing backlash for not appearing to prioritize player safety.

“Don’t ever let them tell you they care about player safety lol,” one fan wrote on X.

“Why? How is a team from london gonna travel to every other team and same for going to london? Especially for teams on the west coast. Just extremely stupid,” one fan added on X.

“Anything for money the NFL will do. Heaven forbid, they put the safety of their players and coaches above money….,” another fan suggested on X.

“Only thing that would make sense is Mexico or Canada. Anything else is too much travel and too much of a detriment with time zones,” another fan wrote on X.

Should the NFL expand to Europe?

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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