For the first time in history, an NFL game is scheduled to take place in France, with the Pittsburgh Steelers facing the New Orleans Saints at the Stade de France on Sunday, October 25, 2026. The historic matchup features a 2:30 PM local kickoff time in Paris, bringing American professional football to the Parisian venue for the league’s inaugural French fixture.
Stade de France Prepares for Inaugural NFL Paris Game
The landmark fixture brings two historic franchises to Saint-Denis. The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the contest holding six Super Bowl titles, while the New Orleans Saints captured the trophy in 2010.
Broadcasters Outline Comprehensive French TV Coverage Plans
Three different networks have established dedicated broadcasting schedules for the October 25 event. beIN Sports, which has served as a league partner since 2012, begins its live coverage at 1:30 PM local time. Rémi Reverchon and Benjamin Bernard lead the stadium presentation alongside consultants Laurent Marceline and Nikola Karabatic, while Lionel Buton and Marc-Angelo Soumah handle the commentary with Peter Anderson reporting from the sideline.
France 2 brings its coverage starting at 2:10 PM local time. Olivia Leray reports from pitchside, paired with commentators Matthieu Lartot and Samyr Hamoudi, alongside consultant Philippe Gardent. Lartot outlined the network’s mission to guide a curious domestic audience through the rules and appeal of American football during the broadcast.
A prime-time replay airs on la chaîne L’Équipe at 9:10 PM. Grégory Ascher anchors the on-site presentation with various guests, while Sacha Allix and former Philadelphia Eagles player Anthony Mahoungou provide the commentary supported by Timothée Maymon at the stadium.
Burna Boy and Yseult Headline Halftime Entertainment
Entertainment during the intermission features Nigerian singer Burna Boy alongside French artist Yseult. The performance marks a milestone as the first time a French artist participates in a league halftime show. The entertainment extends beyond the musical acts, with France 2 utilizing U.S.-produced interstitial packages, reports, and tactical analyses during game breaks to explain the sport’s mechanics to viewers discovering the game for the first time.
Match Format and Tactical Demands for Local Audiences
With an anticipated broadcast duration of nearly four hours, network analysts face the task of breaking down complex rules for casual viewers. The contest unfolds across four fifteen-minute quarters, where an offense holding the ball must gain 10 yards—roughly nine meters—across four downs to sustain a drive toward a touchdown.
Networks and Personnel for Broadcast Schedule
| Network | Air Time (Local) | Key Personnel |
|---|---|---|
| France 2 | 2:10 PM | Matthieu Lartot, Samyr Hamoudi, Olivia Leray |
| L’Équipe | 9:10 PM (Replay) | Grégory Ascher, Sacha Allix, Anthony Mahoungou |
Questions Remaining Around Future League Expansion in France
As the Stade de France prepares to host its first contest, league officials have not yet confirmed whether the fixture will establish a permanent annual series in Paris.
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