The NFL's global takeover is officially underway. 

With at least seven countries on the listy for the expansion, the league announced that the New Oreland Saints will begin the 2026 season in France, the league’s first-ever game there. 

According to an X post by NFL insider Ari Meirov, the Saints will be the “home team” in Paris and play against an opponent yet to be revealed. This Paris match-up is the Saints’ fourth international game and will be played in Stade de France, the country’s largest stadium. 

Before this, the Saints played three regular-season games in London.

Saints’ owner, Gayle Benson, reiterated the historical ties between New Orelands and France, saying he looks forward to deepening the ties and taking his team to newer heights.

“We are excited to be selected to play in the first regular season game to take place in France,” he 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.”

NFL Executives Expect to Increase Viewership and Create a Global Presence

In Monday’s press conference, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated that the league aims to play 16 international games per season.

That is eight more than their current capacity. He further claimed that there is a rise in the NFL’s consumption and demand to collaborate.

“It's the ambition that we have to be a global sport, but it's also the demand that we're having. Some of the greatest cities in the world are asking, ‘Can we do this?’” Goodell said.

The other destinations are Melbourne, Australia; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Munich, Germany; Madrid, Spain; and London, set to host three games. However, Dublin is not included in the new list. 

In the 2025 season, the Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers played in Ireland, and the game ended in a 24-21 victory for the latter. Goodell agreed with Benson, who stated that players are excited for these games, and they play a big part in endorsing the sport overseas.

“One of the greatest things from last season was talking to our players and our coaches about how proud they were to be there and talk about the game, help globalize the game.”

This move is one of the second major decisions leading upto the 2026 season. At home, cable service ESPN took control of NFL Network and its other assets after the Department of Justice gave its sign of approval. 

The 2026 season is gaining chatter while Super Bowl LX has yet to be played. What are your thoughts on this? Are you excited to see the NFL go global?

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Oajaswini Prabhu