NFL says first regular-season game in France remains on track despite growing unrest in Paris

Earlier this season, the NFL sanctioned its first regular-season game in Australia , extending the league’s international reach beyond its longstanding presence in England.

The 2026-27 season is also set to feature a record number of games outside the United States.

In addition to Australia and England, games will be played in France, Brazil, Spain, Germany and Mexico.

As the NFL’s inaugural game in the Paris area approaches, social unrest and protests in France have entered their third week, creating a broader security backdrop for the event.

However, the league said Wednesday that the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints is still expected to take place as scheduled Oct.

25 at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris.

NFL OWNERS APPROVE RECORD 10 INTERNATIONAL GAMES FOR 2027 WITH SIGHTS ON MORE EXPANSION ABROAD There is precedent for the NFL relocating games, although past changes have typically been prompted by extreme weather or field conditions.

"We're excited for the first-ever regular season game in Paris, and preparations continue as scheduled for NFL events and the game at Stade de France on Oct.

25," the NFL said in a statement obtained by ESPN.

"As we do for every NFL game, including our international games, we work closely with local authorities and partners on all operational and security matters.

We look forward to welcoming fans to Paris later this month." ROGER GOODELL DETAILS NFL EXPANSION POSSIBILITIES AND A TIMETABLE FOR A FULL SEASON OF INTERNATIONAL GAMES Calls for broad changes to France’s education system have been at the center of the unrest.

Protesters want the government to address schools that have been considered under-resourced, as well as deteriorating facilities and teacher shortages.

Some students have described buildings in disrepair and reported seeing rats inside.

Some demonstrations have escalated into violence, prompting French authorities to deploy tear gas, stun grenades and other crowd-control measures, CBS News reported.