Just days away from Super Bowl 50, excitement among fans eagerly awaiting its kickoff is reaching fever pitch. Yet amid all this championship talk and hype, NFL organizers have already begun making plans for something groundbreaking — its inaugural regular-season match in France!
Reports indicate that on October 25, 2026, the New Orleans Saints will face off with Cleveland Browns at Stade de France in Paris in what would mark their inaugural official game there after months of negotiations. This event promises to make history!
This development represents a significant milestone for the NFL, which has previously expanded internationally with games in London, Germany, and Mexico. For French fans, this is more than just another international fixture — it firmly places France on the NFL’s growing global map.
The Saints will be making their first overseas trip since their 2022 London appearance against the Minnesota Vikings, now led by new head coach Kellen Moore. Meanwhile, the Browns will bring their passionate Dawg Pound supporters to Europe, making this contest a key statement for both franchises and the league’s international ambitions.
The Stade de France, located in Saint-Denis near Paris, will host the game. With a capacity exceeding 80,000, it is the largest stadium in the country, perfectly suited to welcome this landmark event. The game is seen not only as a single contest but as a major step forward for the NFL and a celebration for French fans who have long awaited the arrival of American football in their country.
A Growing Rivalry Between Saints and Browns
Before heading to France, the Saints and Browns share a notable history, having met 20 times previously. The Browns currently hold a 13–7 advantage overall, but recent results favor the Saints, who have won the last three matchups. Although these teams have never faced off in the playoffs, their regular-season encounters have built an emerging rivalry.
The most recent meeting took place on November 17, 2024, when the Browns suffered a 35–14 defeat on the road against the Saints. Both teams have experienced challenges since then, with the Saints finishing the 2025 season at 6–11 and placing fourth in the NFC South, while the Browns ended their year 5–12, also placing fourth in the AFC North, missing the playoffs for a second consecutive season. This upcoming game offers both clubs a fresh opportunity to reset and gain momentum.
Significance of the NFL’s Expansion into France
Bring an NFL game to France is a major feat for the league. France ranks as its third-biggest European market, boasting approximately five million fans of its brand of American football. To pull this landmark event off successfully required collaboration among multiple groups – such as Stade de France, local organizations and French sports authorities.
NFL officials will travel to Paris during Super Bowl week in early February in order to finalize event details, furthering its global growth strategy by reaching out and engaging a new fan base there. This effort signals the NFL’s dedication and ambition in expanding their global footprint while tapping passionate new fan bases around Europe such as France.