NFL Announces Historic Regular Season Game in Paris.

Ellie Williamson
21 hours ago
4 min read

Updated: 54 minutes ago

San Francisco, CA- The National Football League announced Monday the Saints will be the “home” team for the first-ever NFL game in Paris, France, during the 2026 regular season. This game expands the league’s international footprint. The matchup is scheduled to be held at the iconic Stade de France.

The first game in France will feature the New Orleans Saints as one of the participating teams, with the full opponent, date and kickoff time to be revealed when the 2026 NFL schedule is released this spring.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell called the announcement “next step in the continued expansion of the league’s global footprint,”highlighting Paris as a city capable of showcasing American football on a world stage.

The commissioner talked to media present for the 60th Super Bowl today and confirmed the league will have a game in Mexico City in December.

It will be the ninth NFL international game in 2026. He says the goal is to get to 16 international games every year.

The Saints’ involvement carries added significance due to the franchise’s cultural ties to France and Louisiana. New Orleans owner Gayle Benson emphasized the connection, calling the event a chance to showcase the team to a growing international audience.

“We are excited to be selected to play in the first regular season game to be held in France,” Benson said.

“This moment is special not only because of the strong cultural connection between Louisiana and France, but also because we will compete before a growing Saints fan base in Paris.”

The game marks a major milestone in the league’s international strategy, which also includes NFL regular season 2026 games already confirmed in Melbourne, Australia; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Munich, Germany; Madrid, Spain; and several games in London, England.

Tennessee has developed a strong pipeline to the NFL in recent seasons, with Vols contributing across multiple rosters.

Paris joins a rapidly growing list of global NFL destinations. The league has already confirmed 2026 regular season games in:

• Melbourne, Australia (Los Angeles Rams participating)

• Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

• Munich, Germany

• Madrid, Spain

• London, England (three games)

• Paris, France (New Orleans Saints participating)

Global Growth and Vols on the World Stage

The growing international slate increases opportunities for alumni of the Tennessee Volunteers football program now to shine abroad in the NFL.

The New Orleans Saints is one of the confirmed teams in the Paris game. Multiple NFL Vols are on their active roster:

• Alvin Kamara, RB. An explosive offensive weapon and longtime Pro Bowl performer, Kamara ranks among the most productive NFL backs since entering the league.

• Alontae Taylor from Manchester, Tennessee. A Gs standout at Coffee County Central that went on to play at Tennessee as a four-year contributor, starting often and finishing with 162 tackles, 19 pass breakups, 4 interceptions, and 3 forced fumbles while earning All-SEC honors and serving in leadership roles.

Alontae Taylor is technically still on the New Orleans Saints roster following the 2025 season but is a pending unrestricted free agent. After playing four seasons with the team, he is expected to command a significant contract this offseason, leaving his return to the Saints for 2026 uncertain.

• Omari Thomas, a defensive tackle at Tennessee, signed with the Saints team as an undrafted free agent in 2025.

The Los Angeles Rams is another NFL franchise with Tennessee ties that has announced a game in Australia. The Rams feature former Vols who have been key contributors on defense. Vols fans will have another chance to see Tennessee alumni compete abroad.

• Byron Young, defensive end — A dynamic pass rusher who recorded a double-digit sack total in the 2025 season, Young has emerged as a defensive leader for the Rams.

• Jaylen McCollough, safety — A Tennessee safety making plays in the secondary, McCollough has been part of the Rams’ rotation and added value on defense.

Bigger Than One Game

Beyond competition, the Paris matchup reflects the NFL’s broader vision.

“Hosting the first-ever NFL regular season game in Paris is a powerful symbol of France’s growing place on the global sporting stage,” said French Sports Minister Marina Ferrari. “This historic event reflects a long-term commitment to sport as a driver of cohesion, influence and opportunity.”

With 62 regular season games already played

internationally, the NFL is no longer experimenting.

And for programs like Tennessee, that expansion means more than just television exposure. It means Vols-developed talent continuing to represent Knoxville on football’s largest and most international platforms yet.

With more than 14 million NFL fans in France, the league’s presence also supports the development of American football overseas. Flag football, set to debut in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, has already reached thousands of youth participants in France through NFL partnerships.

With more international opportunities on the horizon, Vols alumni could be among the players representing American football to global audiences.

As of the 2025 NFL season, over 30 former Tennessee Volunteers (VFLs) are on NFL rosters, including standouts like Alvin Kamara (Saints), Trey Smith (Chiefs), Josh Palmer (Bills), and rookies Jaylen Wright (Dolphins) and Dylan Sampson (Browns).Key defenders include Byron Young (Rams), Alontae Taylor (Saints), and Darrell Taylor (Texans).

Follow along with the NFL social sites for more info on this announcement: