NFL Says First Regular-Season Game in France on Track Despite Third Week of Paris Unrest The NFL confirmed its inaugural regular-season game in France between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints will proceed as scheduled on Oct. 25 at Stade de France, even as protests over education funding enter their third week in Paris. The NFL said Wednesday that its first-ever regular-season game in France remains on schedule despite social unrest and protests in the Paris area that have now entered their third week. NFL Confirms Paris Game Preparations ContinueThe league confirmed preparations continue for the game at Stade de France on Oct. 25 between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New Orleans Saints. The NFL stated that it works closely with local authorities and partners on all operational and security matters, as it does for every game including international contests.We're excited for the first-ever regular season game in Paris, and preparations continue as scheduled for NFL events and the game at Stade de France on Oct. 25, the NFL said in a statement obtained by ESPN. As we do for every NFL game, including our international games, we work closely with local authorities and partners on all operational and security matters. We look forward to welcoming fans to Paris later this month.The unrest has created a broader security backdrop for the event, though the league has not indicated any plans to relocate. There is precedent for the NFL relocating games, although past changes have typically been prompted by extreme weather or field conditions rather than civil unrest. The protests center on calls for broad changes to France's education system. Demonstrators want the government to address schools considered under-resourced, as well as deteriorating facilities and teacher shortages.Saints Named Home Team Amidst French UnrestSome students have described buildings in disrepair and reported seeing rats inside. France will hold presidential elections next spring, adding political context to the ongoing demonstrations. The Saints will be the designated home team for the game in France. New Orleans enters its Week 6 matchup with the New York Giants on a three-game losing streak.The Steelers picked up their third win Sunday by defeating the Indianapolis Colts and will travel to Tampa this weekend to face the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay earned its first victory of the year last Thursday by upsetting the Dallas Cowboys. The 2026-27 season is also set to feature a record number of games outside the United States.NFL Expands International Games Record for 2027In addition to Australia and England, games will be played in France, Brazil, Spain, Germany and Mexico. NFL owners have approved a record 10 international games for 2027, with sights set on further expansion abroad. Roger Goodell has detailed NFL expansion possibilities and a timetable for a full season of international games. Discussions around the league's international push have intensified, with analysts suggesting an NFL team in Europe or Mexico City will happen sooner than expected.The league's growing global footprint includes this inaugural Paris game as a key milestone. As the event approaches, the NFL continues to monitor the situation in France while maintaining that the game will go on as planned. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for further updates as the date draws nearer.