The NFL is continuing its international conquest as the league announced that it will be making its debut in a new country next season.
It was announced on Monday that the NFL will be playing its first-ever regular-season game in Paris during the 2026 season, bringing the sport to France for the first time.
The history-making matchup is slated to take place at the Stade de France – the country’s national stadium, that has previously played host to top-tier soccer and rugby games, including the Champions League final.
‘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.
‘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.’
The NFL announced that it will be hosting its first-ever game in France next season
The regular-season matchup will take place at France’s national stadium, the Stade de France
The New Orleans Saints (pictured, owner Gayle Benson) will be the home team for the game
The New Orleans Saints have already been confirmed as the ‘home’ team to take to the field at the Stade de France, but their opponent has yet to be unveiled.
New Orleans was awarded international marketing rights in France by the NFL in 2023 as part of the league’s ‘Global Markets Program’, making the Saints the first and only team to hold those rights in France.
‘We are excited to be selected to play in the first regular season game to be held in France,’ said Saints Owner Gayle Benson. ‘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.’
The announcement comes as the NFL continues its international expansion with seven regular-season games confirmed to be taking place abroad next season.
Just hours earlier, the league confirmed on Monday that it had inked a multiyear agreement to hold regular-season games at the Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Spain.
The Spanish and French capitals join Melbourne, Rio De Janeiro and Munich as international cities hosting one game each in the upcoming 2026 season.
Meanwhile, London, which has been a popular NFL hub in recent years, is slated to host three.
62 NFL games have been played around the world so far, with Frankfurt, Mexico City and Toronto also getting a taste of the sport.
