The New Orleans Saints are set to host the first-ever National Football League game in Paris, France, the league announced on Monday.
The game, set to take placed during the 2026 regular season, will be played at Stade de France in partnership with GL events. Stade de France is the oldest stadium in the country.
“We are excited to be selected to play in the first regular season game to take place in France,” remarked 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.”
The city of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana have always had a significant amount of French heritage, dating back to the Louisiana Purchase from France in the early 1800s. You have to look no further than the historic French Quarter in downtown New Orleans to see the significant cultural impact that France has had in the area.
While the opponent has not been officially named at this point, it has been rumored that the Cleveland Browns will be taking on the Saints in Paris next season.