There have been rumors swirling for a while now, but today, the NFL has officially confirmed the news that the New Orleans Saints will play the first regular season NFL game in Paris, France. The opponent, date and kickoff time will be announced at a later date.
The game will be played at the Stade de France, which is located in the Saint-Denis commune and is roughly 32 miles north of the Eiffel Tower. The stadium has a seating capacity of just over 80,000, which makes it the largest in France.
In 2023, the Saints established their marketing rights in Paris, France and last summer, Saints owner Gayle Benson, LB Demario Davis, Paris Musketeers head coach Jack Del Rio, and several other Saints staff members traveled to Paris to enhance the Saints’ brand visibility and strengthen the connection between the team and fans abroad by participating in and sponsoring a series of community events. Since then, there has been much speculation that they would be host a game in the city during the 2026 NFL season.
“We are excited to be selected to play in the first regular season game to take place 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 NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Charles Kushner, Ambassador of the United States to France, and the French Government, especially Laurent Bili, Ambassador of France to the United States, and Samuel Ducroquet, Ambassador of France to Sport, for helping make this historic event possible.”
This will be Saints’ first international game since facing the Minnesota Vikings at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on October 2, 2022.
