NFL Announces Matchup For First Game In Paris

Reception

Steelers President Art Rooney II and Saints owner Gayle Benson both showed plenty of praise for the opportunity and said they're looking forward to growing the game in a country that's never experienced the NFL before.

"We're honored to represent the Pittsburgh Steelers and the NFL in the League's first-ever game in Paris this upcoming season," Rooney said in a statement. "Playing the New Orleans Saints in such a historic setting is a great opportunity to showcase the NFL's global growth and to connect with fans around the world. It's an exciting moment for our organization and for Steelers Nation everywhere."

"It is a privilege for the New Orleans Saints to take part in the NFL's first regular season game in France," Benson said. "Louisiana's relationship with France is centuries deep, and this game represents another meaningful step in strengthening those cultural and economic ties. The Saints are also proud partner with the NFL's flag football initiatives in France, which have grown rapidly and now engage thousands of young athletes. We are thankful to Commissioner Roger Goodell, Ambassador Charles Kushner, and our colleagues in the French Government, including Ambassador of France to the United States Laurent Bili and Consul General of France Samuel Ducroquet, for their collaboration and commitment to making this historic occasion possible."

Not all of the reception is positive though. NFL fans remain mixed on whether it's a good or bad thing to have regular season games overseas at all.

But if the half-dozen international games we're getting in 2026 are any indication, the league is only going to be bringing games to more countries in the years to come, not less.