American football has officially landed in France. On Sunday, October 25, 2026, the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the New Orleans Saints 16–10 at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, just north of Paris.
It was the first NFL regular-season game ever played in France. Not a bad way to start a new tradition.
What happened at Stade de France?
The stadium was packed, with Steelers and Saints jerseys side by side and plenty of French fans watching their first NFL game. That's a lot of people learning, or teaching, the rules on the way in.
On the field, it was a tight, low-scoring game. Steelers running back Jaylen Warren ran for 101 yards, and Chris Boswell kicked three field goals to help Pittsburgh hold on.
For Saints fans who crossed the Atlantic, the result wasn't the one they wanted. Still, being part of the first NFL regular-season game in France is quite a story to take home.
Why were the Saints the home team in Paris?
The Saints were the designated home team for the game. Saints owner Gayle Benson pointed to the strong cultural connection between Louisiana and France.
The team also holds the NFL's international marketing rights in France. So for the Saints, Paris was more than a one-off trip. It's a market they're building for the future.
That connection showed up in the stands and on the field. New Orleans brass band the Soul Rebels performed the national anthem and played during the game.
The Saints cheer team traveled to Paris too, and players led the "Who Dat" chant before kickoff. A little piece of New Orleans, just north of Paris.
How do you get to Stade de France from central Paris?
The stadium is in Saint-Denis, a short ride from the city centre on public transport. Several lines serve the area:
- RER B, toward the north of Paris.
- RER D, also heading north.
- Métro line 13, toward Saint-Denis.
Routes, stations and event-day arrangements can change, so check RATP and the official event information before you go. On a big match day, leave early and expect busy trains on the way home.
How do you plan a Paris day around a big game?
If you're in town for a game or a concert at Stade de France, make a day of it. The stadium is north of the city, and so is one of Paris's favourite neighbourhoods.
Montmartre sits on the north side of Paris. Walk up to Sacré-Cœur in the morning, wander the village streets, and you're already on the right side of town.
Want some French history before the noise? Head to the Île de la Cité. Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle are a few minutes apart and tell the story of medieval Paris.
Sainte-Chapelle's upper chapel is a room made almost entirely of stained glass. On a bright morning, it's hard to beat.
Spot the French symbol on the Saints helmet
Here's a fun detail for American visitors. The fleur-de-lis on the Saints helmet is a French royal symbol.
Once you know it, you'll start seeing it around Paris: on gates, in church decoration, in old royal buildings. It's a small reminder of why Louisiana and France still feel connected.
We tell that story in Why Louisiana wears the fleur-de-lis.
Make the most of your trip
A big game is a great reason to visit Paris. The city around it is an even better one.
If you'd like a local to show you the north side of Paris, our Montmartre walk is an easy fit for a match weekend.
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Short on time? See our first time in Paris page, or browse all our Paris tours.