How Pittsburgh Controlled France’s First NFL show

The Pittsburgh Steelers opened a new chapter for the NFL with a 16-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints at Stade de France in Saint-Denis. The October 25, 2026, contest was the league’s first regular-season game in France, and the result lifted Pittsburgh to 5-2 while dropping New Orleans to 2-5.

The final score reflected a physical, low-scoring afternoon. Pittsburgh created enough offence to stay in front, converted 10 of 16 third downs and held the Saints to only 18 rushing yards. New Orleans moved the ball through the air but could not consistently finish drives or establish balance.

Defence and Field Position Decided the Paris Game

The most influential play arrived in the third quarter. Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson intercepted a short pass intended for Chris Olave, ending a Saints possession in scoring territory. Pittsburgh turned the takeaway into Chris Boswell’s 39-yard field goal, extending its advantage to 16-10.

That margin held because the Steelers controlled the line of scrimmage. New Orleans produced fewer than 20 rushing yards, leaving quarterback Tyler Shough to carry much of the offence with his arm. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, gained 150 yards on the ground, including 101 rushing yards from Jaylen Warren on 18 carries.

The Saints had another opportunity to make the game uncomfortable in the fourth quarter, but kicker Daniel Carlson missed a 52-yard attempt wide right. Head coach Kellen Moore said Carlson’s late arrival in France, which followed the impending birth of his child, did not cause the miss. The club planned to review its kicking operation during the bye week.

Pittsburgh also benefited from disciplined situational football late in the contest. After New Orleans jumped offside on a 37-yard field-goal attempt with 1:04 remaining, the Steelers accepted the penalty and used kneel-downs to secure the win rather than risk another kick.

New Orleans Passed Well but Could Not Finish

Shough completed 30 of 38 passes for 278 yards, one touchdown and one interception. His one-yard fourth-down touchdown throw to Devaughn Vele tied the game at 10-10 late in the second quarter, giving the Saints a brief chance to change the momentum.

Alvin Kamara remained an important part of the passing attack, catching seven passes for 57 yards. The Saints moved the ball effectively enough to remain within one score, yet their lack of a running threat made the offence easier for Pittsburgh to diagnose.

The red zone became another source of frustration. The Saints entered the game having scored 16 touchdowns on 19 red-zone possessions, according to Sharp Football Analysis, but the interception near the goal line prevented them from turning a promising drive into points. Shough accepted responsibility afterward, saying the pass needed to be placed farther outside.

Moore faced questions about the rushing attack and potential changes during the bye. Earlier in the week, general manager Mickey Loomis had asked for patience with a young, developing roster. The loss nevertheless intensified the pressure on a franchise that has not reached the playoffs since the 2020 season.

A Major Test for the NFL’s French Expansion

Stade de France provided a fitting setting for the league’s debut in the country. Built for the 1998 FIFA World Cup, the venue can accommodate more than 80,000 spectators and is France’s largest stadium. It has also hosted the 2024 Olympics and three UEFA Champions League finals.

The stadium does not have a permanent tenant and is scheduled to stage nearly 40 events during the year, its busiest calendar to date. For the football game, crews prepared a hybrid playing surface combining natural grass with synthetic fibres.

Attendance reached 78,488, underscoring the commercial potential of an NFL event near Paris. Security was also a major consideration after protests that began across France on September 18 over school conditions. NFL executive vice-president Peter O’Reilly said additional security measures were introduced, but the league never seriously considered cancelling or relocating the game.

The Saints hold the NFL’s only assigned marketing rights in France, giving the club a central role in building interest there. The organization operates French-language social media channels, while owner Gayle Benson was among the guests who met President Emmanuel Macron to discuss the game and the league’s future in Paris.

Flag Football Could Build the Next Generation of Fans

American football currently ranks well below France’s most established sports, with international relations liaison Jan Woska describing it as the country’s 11th-most popular sport. Judo, swimming and fencing are among the activities with stronger followings.

The NFL’s growth plan therefore extends beyond bringing professional games to French stadiums. Flag football, which does not involve tackling, will join the Olympic programme at the 2028 Games and is viewed by NFL executive Brett Gosper as a key way to attract new supporters.

The Saints are contributing to that effort through a French tournament whose winners receive a trip to New Orleans. Grassroots participation could help the league create a lasting connection with young athletes rather than relying only on the excitement surrounding a single international game.

For the Steelers, the Paris trip ended with a historic win and a 5-2 record. For the Saints, the journey home begins with more immediate questions: how to restore the running game, improve red-zone execution and decide whether changes are needed during the bye week.