NFL says first regular-season game in France remains on track despite growing unrest in Paris

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Earlier this season, the NFL sanctioned its first regular-season game in Australia, extending the league’s international reach beyond its longstanding presence in England.

The 2026-27 season is also set to feature a record number of games outside the United States. In addition to Australia and England, games will be played in France, Brazil, Spain, Germany and Mexico.

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As the NFL’s inaugural game in the Paris area approaches, social unrest and protests in France have entered their third week, creating a broader security backdrop for the event. However, the league said Wednesday that the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints is still expected to take place as scheduled Oct. 25 at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris.

Stade de France exterior before UEFA Champions League final

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There is precedent for the NFL relocating games, although past changes have typically been prompted by extreme weather or field conditions.

“We’re excited for the first-ever regular season game in Paris, and preparations continue as scheduled for NFL events and the game at Stade de France on Oct. 25,” the NFL said in a statement obtained by ESPN. “As we do for every NFL game, including our international games, we work closely with local authorities and partners on all operational and security matters. We look forward to welcoming fans to Paris later this month.”

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Calls for broad changes to France’s education system have been at the center of the unrest. Protesters want the government to address schools that have been considered under-resourced, as well as deteriorating facilities and teacher shortages. Some students have described buildings in disrepair and reported seeing rats inside.

Some demonstrations have escalated into violence, prompting French authorities to deploy tear gas, stun grenades and other crowd-control measures, CBS News reported.

France will hold presidential elections next spring.

The Saints will be the designated home team for the game in France. New Orleans enters its Week 6 matchup with the New York Giants on a three-game losing streak.

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New Orleans Saints helmets sit before an NFL game

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The Steelers picked up their third win Sunday by defeating the Indianapolis Colts and will travel to Tampa this weekend to face the Buccaneers, who earned their first victory of the year last Thursday by upsetting the Dallas Cowboys.

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