The NFL is heading to the City of Light, and the matchup just got a whole lot more intriguing. According to The Athletic's Mike DeFabo, the New Orleans Saints will face the Pittsburgh Steelers in the league's first-ever game in Paris, scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026, at the iconic Stade de France. Early reports from French outlets had suggested the Cleveland Browns would be the opponent, but it appears the Steelers—one of the most storied franchises in NFL history—will take that slot instead.

This game marks a major milestone for the NFL's international expansion, and it's a fitting clash for the occasion. The Saints and Steelers have a rich history, with New Orleans holding a slim 9-8 all-time series lead. The Saints have won three straight matchups dating back to 2010, but the most recent meeting in 2022 saw Pittsburgh edge out a 20-10 victory. In that game, rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett outdueled veteran Andy Dalton, rushing for 51 yards and a pivotal touchdown that handed the Saints a tough loss and effectively dashed their NFC South hopes that season.

Both teams have had success on the international stage. The Saints are 2-1 in International Series games, with wins over the San Diego Chargers (2008) and Miami Dolphins (2017), though they fell to the Minnesota Vikings by a field goal in 2022. The Steelers, meanwhile, are 1-1, having beaten those same Vikings 24-21 in Dublin, Ireland last year—a sweet redemption after losing to them at London's Wembley Stadium in 2013.

While there's no official confirmation yet, the game is expected to kick off in the early morning window for U.S. viewers—likely around 8:30 a.m. CT, similar to last year's Berlin matchup. And with the ongoing saga of Aaron Rodgers potentially joining the Steelers, this Paris showdown could feature one of the game's most polarizing figures under center. Whether it's Rodgers or another quarterback leading Pittsburgh, the Saints will have their hands full trying to protect their series lead in a game that promises to be a historic spectacle for football fans on both sides of the Atlantic.