The New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers are set to make history in late October 2026, when they take the field in Paris for the NFL's first-ever game in France. It's a landmark moment for the league and a fitting nod to Louisiana's deep French heritage, giving Saints fans a unique reason to celebrate across the Atlantic.
This matchup carries a rich history. Since their first meeting in 1967, the series has been remarkably balanced, with the Saints holding a slight edge. While it lacks the divisional intensity of a Falcons or Ravens clash, both franchises are storied and expected to bring a winning pedigree to this international stage. The most unforgettable recent showdown came just before Christmas in 2023, when Drew Brees and Ben Roethlisberger combined for 706 passing yards in a thrilling 31-28 Saints victory—setting the stage for what could be another high-scoring affair in Paris.
But the road to Paris hasn't been smooth. In their last meeting, Andy Dalton's Saints fell short against Kenny Pickett's Steelers. The game was knotted at 10 by halftime, but Pittsburgh pulled away with 10 unanswered points in the fourth quarter. Dalton's two interceptions proved costly for a Saints team that, along with the Steelers, combined for just five total wins that season. Since then, both squads have undergone significant transformations.
The Steelers enter 2026 under new leadership, having parted ways with longtime head coach Mike Tomlin and hiring Mike McCarthy—a familiar face to Saints head coach Kellen Moore, who called plays under McCarthy in Dallas. Pittsburgh's quarterback situation remains in flux; Aaron Rodgers appears the likely starter, but he has yet to re-sign. Behind him, the depth chart includes Will Howard, rookie draft pick Drew Allar, and Mason Rudolph. The Steelers have also added a new running back to their arsenal, aiming to bolster an offense that struggled with consistency.
On the Saints side, there's plenty of connective tissue between these teams. Longtime Saints offensive guard Jahri Evans now serves as Pittsburgh's assistant offensive line coach. Former Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop signed a futures contract with New Orleans this offseason, while former Saints sixth-round wide receiver A.T. Perry inked a futures deal with Pittsburgh. These cross-pollinations add an extra layer of intrigue to an already compelling international showdown.
As both teams gear up for this historic clash, fans can expect a blend of tradition, fresh storylines, and the electric atmosphere that only an NFL debut in a new country can provide. Whether you're repping black and gold or black and old gold, this is a game you won't want to miss.