The Pittsburgh Steelers went across the pond in Week 4 of the 2025 NFL season to face off against the Minnesota Vikings in the Dublin International Game. The NFL has made a major effort to expand the sport across international borders, and that push appears to be growing even stronger. On Wednesday, NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that the New Orleans Saints are expected to play a game in Paris as early as the 2026 regular season, according to team president Dennis Lauscha. The league and stadium officials in Paris are working to finalize the deal, with an official announcement anticipated in the coming weeks.

Mark Tenally / Associated Press
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter speaks during a live broadcast segment.
This revelation immediately sparked conversation throughout the NFL world, especially among fanbases with future matchups against the Saints. The idea of Paris hosting an NFL game marks another significant step in the league’s global expansion, joining cities such as London, Munich, Frankfurt, and now Dublin as international destinations. Bringing regular season action to one of the most iconic cities in the world would be a major moment for the sport, and the Saints appear to be the team positioned to lead that effort.
Now the question Steelers fans are asking is simple: why does this matter for Pittsburgh? The answer lies in the 2026 schedule. The Steelers are already set to play the Saints that season, and if New Orleans is selected as the designated home team for a Paris game, Pittsburgh becomes a natural candidate to join them overseas. While it may not be the most likely outcome, it is now a real possibility and one that Steelers fans will be watching closely as the NFL moves toward announcing its plans for Paris.
The New Orleans Saints are expected to play a game in Paris, as early as the 2026 regular season, per their team president Dennis Lauscha. The NFL and stadium officials in Paris are working to finalize a deal to bring the Saints to Paris, with an announcement likely in the coming… pic.twitter.com/RfjBZr8AX2
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 19, 2025
The NFL world has been divided for years on the idea of expanding the game internationally. Many fans in the United States have pushed back, arguing that regular season games should remain on home soil and that travel demands can create unnecessary challenges for teams. Despite that resistance, players and coaches around the league have slowly begun to embrace the experience.

Shauna Clinton / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers superfan, Vincent Murray, celebrating a big play during the Steelers' 24-21 win over the Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland.
Several teams that have played overseas in recent seasons have spoken openly about enjoying the atmosphere, the fan engagement, and the opportunity to represent the league on a global stage. It is possible that ongoing efforts from league officials, who have invested heavily in promoting football beyond American borders, have helped shift that attitude.
Steelers Could End Up In Paris In 2026
Whatever the reason, the NFL continues to move forward with its international plans, and the latest example is the news that a game is expected to be played in Paris during the 2026 season.
The announcement marks another major step in the league’s global expansion strategy. Paris offers a unique location and an enormous international audience, and bringing NFL football to such an iconic city will undoubtedly create a massive global spotlight. With the Saints expected to be the designated team for that matchup, attention has naturally turned toward which opponent might join them.

Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin roams the practice field as his team works out during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
That is where the Steelers come into the picture. The Steelers are scheduled to face the Saints during the 2026 season, which places them directly in the conversation for a potential Paris game. Although it may not be the most likely scenario, the path is now clearly in place.
Would you want to see the Steelers head to Paris in the 2026 NFL season to face off against the New Orleans Saints? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me. I will respond!
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