Saints Will Play in NFL's 1st-Ever Regular-Season Game in Paris, Opponent for Historic Matchup TBD

The NFL announced Monday that Paris will be the next new stop for its International Series in 2026.

The New Orleans Saints confirmed they'll be taking part, with the game being staged at the Stade de France.

"We are excited to be selected to play in the first regular season game to take place in France," team owner Gayle Benson 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. I am grateful to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Charles Kushner, Ambassador of the United States to France, and the French Government, especially Laurent Bili, Ambassador of France to the United States, and Samuel Ducroquet, Ambassador of France to Sport, for helping make this historic event possible."

The Saints have exclusivity in France as part of the NFL's Global Markets Program, so they were bound to get first crack whenever the league expanded its regular-season slate to the country.

This comes on the heels of the NFL confirming it's returning to Madrid as part of a multiyear agreement. With Paris in the mix, six different cities outside of the United States will host a game in 2026: Paris, Madrid, London, Rio De Janeiro, Munich and Melbourne, Australia.

The 2026 International Series is now at eight games in total.

Up to 10 international contests are permitted under the current collective bargaining agreement, so more could be forthcoming.

That number is bound to keep climbing, though it will need the approval of the NFL Players Association. Commissioner Roger Goodell has stated a goal of holding 16 games abroad, which would allow each of the 32 teams to play internationally during the regular season.