In recent years, the NFL has made massive moves to expand its international audiences. The main way this has been done is by finding new places to play games outside of the country, and that list continues to grow.
With the 2025/26 season nearly complete, international games are beginning to become official for next season.
NFL Announces New International Game in 2026
In 2025, the NFL played seven international games (one in Ireland, three in the United Kingdom, one in Germany, one in Spain, and one in Brazil). This was two more games from 2024, and with the viewership success of these seven games, it was only right that the NFL would keep investing in this area, especially if it creates even more fans around the world.
Earlier in the season, the New Orleans Saints sent a delegation to Paris to strengthen ties with the team. With New Orleans’ ties to French culture, the partnership made sense, and if the NFL were ever to play a game in France, the Saints would be the first team in line to be selected to participate.
Well, as the NFL begins to set the stage for its international games, it has been announced that the Saints will play in France next season.
The NFL has announced that the #Saints will be the “home” team for the first-ever NFL game in Paris, France, during the 2026 season.
The game will take place at the Stade de France – the country’s national stadium. pic.twitter.com/en6hYYETWq
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 2, 2026
This new game in France will mark the NFL’s first in the country. As mentioned, the Saints were the clear choice for this game, and it may become a yearly occurrence for the team. From a marketing perspective, playing in France is excellent for the NFL and the Saints, but from a football perspective, losing a home game for an international matchup is always disappointing for Saints fans back home.
What Countries Around the World Will Host NFL Games Next Season
With France added to the list, the NFL is officially at eight international games next season, and the door is open for more to be added.
The NFL in 2026 will have games in:
• Paris, France
• Melbourne, Australia
• Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Munich, Germany
• Madrid, Spain
• London (three games)And possibly more…. https://t.co/nyQMOJ3AQG
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 2, 2026
Looking at the list above, Melbourne, Australia, is another new addition. The Los Angeles Rams will be hosting the game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
