For the first time in history, the NFL will play an official regular-season game on French soil. The league confirmed today that the New Orleans Saints will face the Cleveland Browns on October 25, 2026, at the iconic Stade de France in Saint-Denis.
A Landmark Moment for European Football
The selection of the 80,000-seat Stade de France solidifies Paris as a major hub for the NFL’s international expansion. France has emerged as the league’s third-largest European market, boasting nearly five million fans.
The choice of the New Orleans Saints as the home team is no coincidence; the franchise has been the most aggressive in building a brand presence in France. Promotional spots featuring Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders have already been filmed at the stadium to kick off the marketing campaign.
Collaboration and Community Engagement
The event is the result of years of negotiations between the NFL, the French American Football Federation (FFFA), and local authorities. Domestic sports teams are already joining the hype:
- Racing 92 Partnership: The French rugby club has launched joint activations, including giveaways signed by Tyler Shough.
- Global Outreach: The game is expected to draw fans from across Europe, following the massive success of the NFL’s London and Munich series.