The National Football League (NFL) has confirmed that France will stage its first regular-season game in 2026, marking another step in the league’s international expansion. The match will be played at the Stade de France in Paris, a venue with a long history of hosting major global sporting events.
The New Orleans Saints are named as the home team
The New Orleans Saints have been confirmed as the designated home team for the historic fixture. However, the NFL has not yet announced the opponent, date, or kick-off time. Those details will be revealed later when the full 2026 regular-season schedule is released.
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Part of the NFL’s growing international presence
The Paris game will be part of the NFL’s International Series, which continues to expand beyond the United States. From 2026, the league plans to stage multiple regular-season games overseas, including fixtures in London, Germany, Spain, Brazil and Australia. Goodell said, "Bringing a regular-season game to Paris in 2026 marks an exciting next step in the continued expansion of the league's global footprint. The aim is to increase the sport’s global reach and strengthen engagement with international fans.”
Why France matters to the NFL
The NFL has identified France as a key growth market, with millions of fans already following the sport. Under the league’s Global Markets Program, teams are allowed to build brand presence and fan engagement in selected international territories. The Saints hold marketing rights in France, which played a role in their selection for the Paris game.
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NFL officials have described the Paris fixture as a significant milestone in the league’s long-term ambition to make American football a truly global sport. Hosting a regular-season game in France highlights the growing popularity of the NFL in Europe and signals that more international games are likely in the years ahead.
