NFL says first regular-season game in France remains on track despite growing unrest in Paris
The NFL says its first regular-season game in the Paris area remains on schedule, despite protests and social unrest in France entering their third week. The Pittsburgh Steelers are due to play the New Orleans Saints on 25 October at Stade de France, north of Paris, as the league expands its international programme.
The NFL said preparations are continuing and that it is working with local authorities and partners on operational and security matters. Protests have focused on France’s education system, including under-resourced schools, poor facilities and teacher shortages; some demonstrations have escalated, leading authorities to use crowd-control measures. The Saints are the designated home team, and the game is part of a 2026-27 season set to include a record number of matches outside the United States.
- NFL says the Paris game remains scheduled for 25 October.
- Protests over education issues have entered their third week.
- The league says it is coordinating with local authorities on security.
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The NFL is the main professional American football league in the United States. It has been staging more games abroad to reach fans in other countries; this would be its first regular-season game in France, with the New Orleans Saints designated as the home team and the Pittsburgh Steelers as their opponents.
Stade de France is a large stadium just north of Paris, where the game is scheduled for 25 October. Protests in France have centred on concerns about schools, including staffing, facilities and resources, and some demonstrations have turned confrontational. Local authorities and event organisers have a role in planning security and other arrangements for large events.
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The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Keeping the game on schedule could honour commitments to teams, fans and local partners, while bringing international attention and economic activity to the Paris area. The NFL says it is coordinating with local authorities on security, which may allow the event to proceed safely without disrupting the wider response to protests.
The case against
Postponing or relocating the game could be prudent if unrest makes safe access or crowd management uncertain, even if preparations are continuing. It could also show sensitivity to residents’ concerns and avoid placing a major entertainment event ahead of pressure on public services, including under-resourced schools.