NFL Expands International Games as Paris Prepares for Debut Event Amid Unrest

The NFL has scheduled its first regular-season game in Australia this season, marking a new frontier in the league’s international expansion beyond its operations in England. The 2026-27 season will feature a record number of games abroad, including in Australia, England, France, Brazil, Spain, Germany, and Mexico.

Plans are underway for the NFL’s inaugural game near Paris despite ongoing social unrest and protests. These have entered their third week, providing a complex security backdrop for the upcoming event. The Pittsburgh Steelers will face the New Orleans Saints on October 25 at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, just north of Paris. The NFL confirmed the game’s schedule despite the unrest.

“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.”

Unrest in France is tied to calls for systemic changes, especially in the educational sector. Protesters demand improvements due to perceived underfunding, poor facilities, and a shortage of teachers. Reports have described school buildings in disrepair, with some students encountering rats inside. Incidents of violence during protests have led authorities to employ tear gas and stun grenades for crowd control.

New Orleans plays the role of the home team against the Saints in France. They approach their Week 6 game against the New York Giants after a three-game losing streak. Meanwhile, the Steelers secured their third win by defeating the Indianapolis Colts and will travel to Tampa. The Buccaneers claimed their first season victory by beating the Dallas Cowboys last Thursday.