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3w ago

NFL Will Play Steelers‑Saints Game in Paris, Citing Heightened Security

League officials say close coordination with French authorities and U.S. diplomats and plans for international growth drove the decision to hold the game.

French riot police secure the area near the National Assembly amid clashes with protesters during a day of demonstrations against the cost of living and rising fuel prices in Paris as part of nationwide protests called by the "Yellow Vests" movement, joined by French high school and university students, teachers and parents demanding better school conditions and government action, as well as labour unions, workers, farmers and retirees, France, October 17, 2026. REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq 
Mar 31, 2025; Palm Beach, FL, USA; Peter O’Reilly, NFL Executive Vice President, Club Business, International & League Events gives an update on international growth during the NFL Annual League Meeting at The Breakers. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • Violent protests that involved rioting and looting swept parts of France on Oct. 17 and prompted curfews and thousands of arrests, which set the security context for the game.
  • The NFL told owners and the media on Oct. 20 that the Oct. 25 matchup at Stade de France will go ahead and that senior security staff have been on the ground in Paris for about 10 days.
  • The New Orleans Saints arrived in Paris this week to prepare while the Pittsburgh Steelers plan to travel later in the week, and teams are receiving regular safety briefings from league personnel.
  • League executives say security will be heightened through close work with Stade de France, French national and Parisian authorities, and the U.S. State Department, and that contingency relocation or postponement was never close to activation.
  • The game is part of a record international slate this season and the league is considering more overseas fixtures, a commercial incentive that the NFL says factors into its operational planning.