The Pittsburgh Steelers lost in pretty ugly fashion to the Minnesota Vikings during a game played in London during the 2013 season. The franchise would have to wait 12 years to play in another game overseas. This time, the matchup took place in Dublin, Ireland and the organization was labeled as the hosting/home team. The showdown was also versus the same NFC North foe, but the Black and Gold came out on top. Now, after breaking news on Tuesday night, the Steelers are going to prepare to take on the New Orleans Saints in Paris, France.
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Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger prepares to hand the ball off to Le'Veon Bell during a game at Wembley Stadium against the Minnesota Vikings in 2013 that took place in London, England.
The Steelers aren't just one of the most popular teams throughout the United States of America. As Ben Roethlisberger once-famously put it, Pittsburgh can be considered "The World's Team." This is why it came off as pretty shocking when the NFL did not give the organization an international contest from the 2014 to 2024 seasons. Now, the collective is competing overseas in back-to-back years.
The league expanding globally is only going to be pushed further. At some point, every franchise may be playing one game outside of the US per season. This could coincide with an 18-game regular-season schedule and potentially two bye weeks. That has to make one wonder what other markets the Steelers could end up in, specifically as the home team.
On Wednesday morning, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette hosted a fan chat and plenty of individuals were curious about the France matchup that will occur in October. Despite there being a known affinity for the Steelers in Mexico, the insider declined to accept the fact that the next international showdown for Pittsburgh will be there, particularly when the Steelers are recognized as the hosting organization.
"Forgot to answer the Mexico City question... am I surprised? Well, this isn't the Steelers game. They are the away team," Dulac wrote. "Mexico has been on the list, maybe the top of the list, but not sure if that's still the case. I wouldn't be surprised if the Steelers' next 'home' international game is in Germany."
Based on the NFL's global marketing rights program, Pittsburgh is involved with Mexico, Ireland and Germany. So, while some may think that Mexico is the best place for the Steelers to host their next game out of the country, Dulac has some sort of inkling that it will actually take place in Germany. For the 2026 campaign, the Detroit Lions and New England Patriots will face off in Munich. Both franchises have marketing rights there.
Charles Krupa / AP Photo
New England Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft signals that he can't hear a question from a reporter as he speaks to the media to make comments on the state of the organization.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has not been shy about expanding across the globe, and why would he? The league is likely making millions off of these deals with other countries and they are not expected to stop anytime soon. It would be good for the game of football as a whole to be broadcasted all across the world, and the Steelers are a legendary operation that will gain traction just about anywhere.
Mexico seemed like the ideal spot for the next Steelers' home international game; however, having the Lions and Patriots in Germany in 2026 is setting a pretty strong standard. In 2027, Pittsburgh is set to play the Seattle Seahawks at Acrisure Stadium. With that said, both teams have marketing rights in Germany, and it could be a great opportunity to bring two other big-named franchises to the country.
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NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell walks on the field before an NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and the Buffalo Bills, Sept. 12, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla.
Steelers Will Worry About Their 2026 International Matchup First
It's fun to theorize about where Pittsburgh could end up next (after 2026) when it comes to playing out of the country. However, the team's closest goal in mind regarding international play is defeating the Saints in Week 7. It's never easy to be out of one's comfort zone, so the coaching staff and players alike will need to be committed to getting acclimated to France quickly because the game is as important as every other one in the regular season.
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