NFL Hits Paris as Steelers and Saints Prepare for Historic Clash

Football Arrives in Paris

The NFL is heading to Paris this week for its first regular season game in France. The Pittsburgh Steelers face the New Orleans Saints at Stade de France, bringing American football to a brand new European stage.

The buildup has faced challenges. Civil unrest in the area led local authorities to consider curfews, casting some security worries over the event. Even so, the league confirmed that its schedule remains intact. Fan activities and an NFL House are opening later in the week without interruption.

New Orleans landed in France on Monday morning fresh off a 34-27 win over the New York Giants. Saints coach Kellen Moore said his players are eager for the trip, calling it an awesome setup and an awesome opportunity.

Local Stars Back the Matchup

League leaders want the week to feel like a mini Super Bowl. The goal is to introduce American football to French viewers and build a lasting audience for future broadcast deals.

To grab attention, the NFL teamed up with local icons. Soccer giant Paris Saint Germain created two game jerseys with the league, and Saints players received invitations to attend PSG against Barcelona on Tuesday night. Soccer star Kylian Mbappé appeared in shoulder pads alongside Bijan Robinson for a social media feature.

French rugby captain Antoine Dupont will also attend the game on Sunday. Dupont once visited the Los Angeles Chargers to teach coach Jim Harbaugh how to throw a rugby ball. Brett Gosper, the NFL head of Europe and Asia Pacific, explained that rugby helps because French fans are already used to physical contact and hard collisions.

Massive Crowd Expected at Stade de France

The stadium holds about 82,000 spectators, and Gosper confirmed the venue is full. Local supporters purchased 70 percent of the tickets, while fans from elsewhere in Europe bought 10 percent.

The remaining 20 percent belongs to American travelers. That marks a higher percentage of visiting United States fans than a standard game in London.

French networks are treating the contest as a major event. Free broadcasts will air on France Televisions and the sports daily L'Equipe, giving the game broad national visibility.

What it means for the next game

Pittsburgh Steelers at New Orleans Saints (NFL, Sun, 25 Oct): New Orleans Saints win 39%, Pittsburgh Steelers win 61%; projected score New Orleans Saints 21, Pittsburgh Steelers 24. Our safest pick: Over 37.5 points.