NFL confirms Paris game will go ahead despite French unrest

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 05:08 · Archive

The NFL says its first regular-season game in France, between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints on 25 October, will proceed as scheduled.

The NFL announced Wednesday that the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints will play at Stade de France on 25 October as scheduled, despite ongoing social unrest in Paris. The game marks the league's first regular-season fixture in France as part of an expanded international schedule.

France has experienced three weeks of protests centred on calls for broad changes to the education system. Demonstrators are seeking government action on under-resourced schools, deteriorating facilities and teacher shortages. The unrest has resulted in thousands of arrests, hundreds of injuries and reports of schools being set on fire.

In a statement, the NFL said preparations are continuing as scheduled and that it works closely with local authorities and partners on all operational and security matters for every game. The league noted it has experience relocating games when necessary, though past changes have typically been prompted by extreme weather or field conditions. The game is part of a broader expansion of the NFL's international presence, with the 2026-27 season set to feature a record number of games outside the United States across multiple countries.

How it is being reported

• NFL refuses to back down from first-ever France game despite calls for game to be moved amid safety fearsThe NFL has released a statement amid safety fears ahead of its first ever game in Paris, France between the New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers later this month.Daily Mail Sport · 15 Oct, 04:45
• NFL says first regular-season game in France remains on track despite growing unrest in ParisThe Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints are set to meet at Stade de France on Oct. 25 despite weeks of protests roiling Paris streets.Fox News · 15 Oct, 04:04

In this story: Pittsburgh Steelers · New Orleans Saints · Stade de France · Paris · France · NFL

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