The Pittsburgh Steelers and the New Orleans Saints meet on Sunday, Oct. 25 (Week 7), at the Stade de France in the NFL's first regular-season game in France. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. in Paris, which is 9:30 a.m. Eastern and 8:30 a.m. Central. For fans at home in the U.S., that turns a usual Sunday afternoon into a breakfast watch party, and because both fan bases wear black and gold, it is an easy game to dress for.
When and Where the Game Is Played
The National Football League announced the matchup on May 13, 2026, calling it the historic first NFL Paris Game. It will be played at the Stade de France on Sunday, Oct. 25, with kickoff at 2:30 p.m. French time.
| Where you are watching | Kickoff time |
|---|---|
| Paris | 2:30 p.m. |
| U.S. Eastern | 9:30 a.m. |
| U.S. Central | 8:30 a.m. |
Farther west, the start comes even earlier. If you live in Mountain or Pacific time, set an alarm and get the coffee going before the pregame show, because a game that starts while most people are still asleep is easy to miss.
Why Paris, and Why These Two Teams
The Saints bring the most obvious French connection. Saints owner Gayle Benson said Louisiana's relationship with France is centuries deep, and that this game is another step in strengthening cultural and economic ties. The Saints note that Louisiana has shared a strong bond with France since the 17th century, dating to its origins as a French colony prior to the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.
The club also has a business reason to be in France. In 2023 the NFL awarded the Saints international marketing rights in France as part of the league's Global Markets Program, making them the first and only team to hold those rights in France. In March 2026, Saints quarterback Tyler Shough and tackle Taliese Fuaga visited Paris, where they stopped at a local school, spoke with French media at a kickoff press conference and took a boat tour.
Pittsburgh sees the trip as a chance to meet a new audience. Steelers President Art Rooney II said the club was honored to represent the Steelers and the NFL in the League's first-ever game in Paris, and called it a great opportunity to connect with fans around the world.
Steelers fans got an early taste of the Paris theme this month. At Steelers Style, the team's annual fashion show, the Steelers classic black and gold color palette was transformed into elevated Parisian style, Steelers.com reported.
The Stade de France
The venue suits a historic game. Built in 1998, the Stade de France is the country's largest stadium and home to the French national soccer and rugby teams. According to both clubs' announcements, it is the only stadium to have hosted a FIFA World Cup, Rugby World Cup, UEFA Champions League Finals and UEFA European Championship Finals, and it played a starring role in the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris.
It is a long way from home for both teams. The Saints say the New Orleans-Pittsburgh contest is a league-led event, so their 2026 season-ticket package includes one preseason game and eight regular-season contests at the Caesars Superdome.
How Big Is the NFL in France?
The NFL has a growing presence in France with over 14 million fans, according to the announcements. NFL Flag, the league's official youth flag football program, launched in France in 2023 in partnership with the French American football federation (FFFA) and already reaches over 8,000 boys and girls.
That youth angle matters. Flag football, the non-contact format of the game, will make its debut as an Olympic sport in Los Angeles in 2028. Benson said the Saints are proud to partner with the NFL's flag football initiatives in France, which she said have grown rapidly.
Watching From Home: An Early Black-and-Gold Watch Party
For most fans in the U.S., this is a game you watch with breakfast instead of wings. That changes the plan more than people expect. A morning game works well for families with younger kids, who are often at their best before lunch, and it leaves the afternoon free for the rest of the Week 7 slate.
A few simple ideas keep an early kickoff relaxed:
- Set the table the night before. Plates, napkins and a black-and-gold centerpiece are easier to arrange when no one is waiting on coffee.
- Cook something you can hold. Breakfast sandwiches, a waffle bar or a tray of beignets keep the food on theme with New Orleans without tying anyone to the stove.
- Add a French touch. Croissants, a baguette or a small cheese board nod to the host city.
- Check the broadcast ahead of time. Confirm where the game airs in your area before Sunday, since an early international kickoff is easy to miss if you are used to afternoon games.
If your guests include fans of both teams, a friendly wager keeps the mood light: the losing side handles the dishes, or brings breakfast for the next big game.
Dressing for a Game Where Both Teams Share Colors
This matchup has a rare advantage for mixed households: both teams use black and gold. The Saints' look combines black and gold elements, and Pittsburgh's own team site describes black and gold as the Steelers' classic color palette. A Steelers fan and a Saints fan can sit on the same couch in nearly the same colors and still know exactly whom they are cheering for.
If you want something black and gold for the morning, a cozy crewneck is the easiest piece. It goes over pajamas, works in a cool living room and still looks fine if the day moves on to a sports bar for the late games. The pick below is described by color only: one of its designs pairs a gold sweatshirt with bold black print.
Footwear is the detail people forget. If the watch party moves outside to a driveway TV or a neighborhood gathering, a pair of black sneakers with gold print ties the outfit together without a full head-to-toe look. It is also a practical choice for kids who will be in and out of the yard at halftime.
We are an independent brand and are not affiliated with the NFL, the Pittsburgh Steelers or the New Orleans Saints; these picks simply share the teams' colors.
Where Paris Fits in the 2026 International Schedule
The 2026 NFL Paris game is one of nine international games to be played across four continents, seven countries and eight stadiums. The other host cities are Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, London, Madrid, Munich and Mexico City.
For the Saints, Paris will be the club's fourth regular season contest overseas following three prior appearances in London. NFL Head of Europe and Asia Pacific Brett Gosper called the game an exciting new chapter in the league's global growth efforts.
Whatever the score, fans on both sides of the Atlantic will be watching the same game at very different times of day, and for one Sunday morning, black and gold will fill living rooms from Pittsburgh to New Orleans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Steelers-Saints game in Paris start in the U.S.?
Kickoff is 9:30 a.m. Eastern and 8:30 a.m. Central on Sunday, Oct. 25. In Paris, the game starts at 2:30 p.m.
Is this the Saints' first game outside the U.S.?
No. The game will mark the Saints' fourth regular season contest overseas following three prior appearances (2008, 2017 and 2022) in London, England.
Is Paris a home game for the Saints?
The Saints describe the Paris contest as a league-led event. Their 2026 season-ticket package includes one preseason game and eight regular-season contests at the Caesars Superdome.
How can fans get tickets or travel packages for the Paris game?
For game news and ticket information, the teams direct fans to nfl.com/Paris. Official ticket and travel packages are sold through On Location, the Official Hospitality Provider of the NFL.
Sources
- Pittsburgh Steelers: Steelers to play Saints in 2026 NFL Paris Game
- New Orleans Saints: Saints to play Pittsburgh Steelers in NFL's first Paris game on Oct. 25
- NFL.com: Saints reveal 'Gameday Golds' alternate jersey for 2025 season
- Pittsburgh Steelers: Steelers shine on the runway
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