New Orleans Saints to Play NFL's First Regular-Season Game in France in 2026

The National Football League announced that the New Orleans Saints will become the first team to play a regular-season game in France when they face an opponent in Paris during the 2026 season, marking a significant expansion of the league's international footprint. This historic matchup represents the NFL's continued effort to grow its global audience and capitalize on the increasing popularity of American football in European markets. The league has previously hosted international games in London and Mexico City, but this will be the first time a regular-season contest is played in France. The decision to bring a game to Paris comes after successful NFL events in the country, including the London Games series and recent international marketing initiatives that have generated significant fan interest in the French market. The Saints organization expressed enthusiasm about representing the NFL in France, potentially exposing their team and the league to new generations of international fans.