How Pittsburgh Made History in Paris
The Pittsburgh Steelers secured a 16-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints at Stade de France on Sunday, creating the NFL’s first regular-season win in France. The result lifted Pittsburgh to 5-2 and left New Orleans at 2-5.
The game was shaped by a handful of decisive moments rather than a high-scoring attack. New Orleans managed only 18 rushing yards, Daniel Carlson missed a late 52-yard field goal, and Pittsburgh linebacker Payton Wilson intercepted Tyler Shough in the red zone.
Three Plays That Changed the Result
- Wilson’s interception: The Pittsburgh linebacker stepped in front of a short pass intended for Chris Olave during the third quarter. The turnover stopped a promising Saints drive and led to Chris Boswell’s 39-yard field goal.
- Carlson’s missed kick: New Orleans had a chance to reduce the deficit in the fourth quarter, but Carlson’s attempt from 52 yards drifted wide right.
- Shough’s touchdown pass: The Saints quarterback found Devaughn Vele on a one-yard fourth-down throw late in the second quarter, tying the score at 10-10.
Shough completed 30 of 38 passes for 278 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He also completed seven passes to Alvin Kamara, who finished with 57 receiving yards.
The passing numbers were solid, but the Saints could not balance the offence. Shough attempted 38 passes while New Orleans’ rushing attack produced just 18 yards. After the game, he acknowledged that the team had to repair its ground game.
Saints Leave Paris With Offensive Questions
The lack of rushing production placed too much pressure on the passing game. New Orleans frequently needed Shough to create offence through the air, while Pittsburgh’s defence concentrated on limiting the Saints’ most important passing situations.
The red zone interception was especially costly. Before kickoff, Sharp Football Analysis had ranked New Orleans second in the NFL after the Saints scored 16 touchdowns on 19 red-zone possessions. That efficiency disappeared when the team needed it most.
Head coach Kellen Moore also faced questions about the kicking operation. Carlson arrived in France later than the rest of the team because his wife was preparing to give birth, but Moore said that timing did not affect the missed kick. He added that the Saints would review the kicking game during their bye week.
Paris Game Details at a Glance
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Final score | Pittsburgh Steelers 16, New Orleans Saints 10 |
| Location | Stade de France, Saint-Denis |
| Date | October 25, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 2:30 p.m. in Paris; 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time |
| Records | Steelers 5-2; Saints 2-5 |
| Saints rushing total | 18 yards |
| Tyler Shough | 30 completions on 38 attempts, 278 yards, one touchdown and one interception |
| Historic significance | First NFL regular-season game played in France |
Why France Matters to the NFL
Stade de France gave the league a major stage for its French debut. Built for the 1998 World Cup, the stadium holds more than 80,000 spectators and is France’s largest venue. It has also hosted the 2024 Olympics and three UEFA Champions League finals.
The stadium does not have a permanent sports tenant, allowing it to accommodate a broad calendar of major events. Nearly 40 events were scheduled there during the year, the highest total in the venue’s history. For the NFL game, the natural football pitch was replaced with a hybrid surface combining grass and synthetic fibres.
The contest drew a crowd of 78,488, with supporters travelling from Pittsburgh, New Orleans and across France and Europe.
Security and Long-Term Growth
Security received added attention after protests and clashes in France during the week. NFL executive vice-president Peter O’Reilly said the league increased its security measures, while officials did not seriously consider cancelling or relocating the game.
The Saints hold the NFL’s designated marketing rights in France, giving the club a direct role in developing local interest. The organization operates French-language social media channels, and owner Gayle Benson met French President Emmanuel Macron before the game to discuss the event and the league’s future in the country.
Flag Football Offers a New Entry Point
The NFL’s French strategy extends beyond one game. Flag football, which removes tackling and is scheduled to debut at the 2028 Olympics, is a central part of the league’s plan to introduce the sport to new audiences.
NFL executive Brett Gosper has described flag football as a major tool for attracting fans. The Saints also support a French tournament whose winners receive a trip to New Orleans, connecting local participation with the club’s home market.
American football currently ranks well below France’s most established sports, including judo, swimming and fencing. Saints international relations liaison Jan Woska said sustained success on the field would help the league build credibility with French supporters.
What Comes Next for New Orleans
The Saints return home with a disappointing record and several issues to address. Their passing attack showed promise, but the ground game failed to keep the offence balanced, and missed opportunities in the red zone proved decisive.
General manager Mickey Loomis had asked for patience with a young, developing roster earlier in the week. Moore indicated that the team would evaluate every area, including possible staff changes.
New Orleans has not reached the playoffs since the 2020 season. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, added another overseas victory after winning the NFL’s first regular-season game in Ireland the previous year.
