NFL says first regular-season game in France remains on track despite growing unrest in Paris
NFL’s First Regular‑Season Game in Paris Set for Oct. 25 Amid France’s Ongoing Protests
The National Football League has confirmed that its historic first regular‑season match outside the United States will take place on October 25 at Stade de France, north of Paris. The Pittsburgh Steelers will face the New Orleans Saints in a game that is part of a broader international push by the league, which has announced a record 10 overseas contests for the 2024‑25 season and is eyeing even more expansion for 2026‑27.
“We’re excited for the first‑ever regular season game in Paris, and preparations continue as scheduled for NFL events and the game at Stade de France on Oct. 25,” the NFL said in a statement. “As we do for every NFL game, including our international games, we work closely with local authorities and partners on all operational and security matters. We look forward to welcoming fans to Paris later this month.”
The match will see the Saints playing the role of the “home” team, even though the venue lies in France. New Orleans, currently on a three‑game losing streak, will use the game to reset before facing the New York Giants in Week 6. The Steelers, fresh off a victory over the Indianapolis Colts, are heading to Tampa to square off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who snapped a winless start by defeating the Dallas Cowboys last week.
Stade de France, a 80,000‑seat arena that hosted the 1998 FIFA World Cup final, will become the first major American football venue in Europe. The NFL’s decision follows the league’s 2024 inaugural regular‑season game in Australia, marking a significant expansion of its global footprint beyond the long‑established England fixtures.
The announcement comes amid a week‑long surge of protests across France, rooted in calls for comprehensive reform of the country’s education system. Demonstrators are demanding better school funding, improved facilities, and solutions to chronic teacher shortages. Reports from the front lines describe crumbling buildings and even rats inside classrooms. Some rallies have turned violent, prompting authorities to deploy tear gas, stun grenades, and other crowd‑control measures.
Security agencies in France and the NFL have pledged to collaborate closely to ensure the safety of fans, players, and staff. While the league has no precedent for relocating a game, it has moved match‑sites in the past when weather or field conditions rendered venues unsafe.
With the national presidential election slated for next spring, the political climate in France adds another layer of complexity to the event. Yet, the NFL’s commitment to a smooth operation remains firm, and both clubs are eager to bring the excitement of American football to a European audience.
As the world watches, the October 25 showdown in Saint‑Denis will not only test the adaptability of two storied franchises but also serve as a barometer for the NFL’s growing ambition to turn football into a truly global sport.