It was originally announced that the New Orleans Saints would play the first NFL game in France in 2026. However, this plan is now hanging in the balance.

The New Orleans Saints will play a regular season home game in Paris in the long term. However, it remains to be seen whether this will happen as early as 2026.

As Jeff Duncan of the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports, the ongoing negotiations may not be concluded in time to allow a game to take place in the upcoming regular season.

NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said that there are currently no binding agreements with other cities or countries beyond the venues that have already been officially announced.

In addition, there is no fixed schedule for an announcement, as this depends on discussions with countries, cities, and stadium operators.

New Orleans Saints to play first NFL game in France

Saints President Dennis Lauscha said in November 2025 that both the team and the league hope to play a regular season game at the Stade de France in 2026. It remains to be seen whether this plan can be implemented as planned.

The Saints will play nine home games in 2026, eight in 2027, and nine again in 2028. Against this backdrop, it seems obvious to plan an away game in a season in which only eight games would otherwise be played at home in the Superdome.

Whenever the Saints host a game in Paris, it would also be the first regular NFL game ever played in France.

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