Steelers vs. Saints in Paris 2026: Date, time, storylines and key matchups

For the first time in NFL history, France will host an NFL regular-season game in 2026.

While we've known the New Orleans Saints would be the hosts for some time, their opponent remained a secret until the 2026 international schedule was announced this week.

We now know that the Week 7 game, hosted at the iconic Stade de France, will also feature the six-time Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers.

With Tyler Shough, Chris Olave, and Jordyn Tyson on one sideline, and Aaron Rodgers, D.K. Metcalf, and Michael Pittman on the other, it's enough to ensure that the NFL's debut in Paris goes off with a bang.

Here's what to expect, how to watch, and when to tune in.

Steelers vs. Saints: Kick-off time and venue

The game will be broadcast live on DAZN for NFL Game Pass subscribers.

In the US, the game will be broadcast on NFL Network and NFL+.

• Date: Sunday, October 25, 2026 (Week 7)
• France (CET): 2.30pm
• UK (GMT): 1.30pm
• US (ET): 9.30am
• US (PT): 6.30am
• Venue: Stade de France, Paris, France

The Stade de France holds 81,338 spectators and is best known as the go-to venue for national football and rugby matches.

Steelers vs. Saints: Key storylines

The Aaron Rodgers question

Joe Sargent / Stringer

The biggest storyline surrounding this game has been dominating headlines long before a snap is even taken.

As of now, quarterback Rodgers has not signed with Pittsburgh for 2026, and his annual will-he-won't-he routine is in full swing.

A visit to the Steelers' facility in May was promising, and every credible source expects him back. But until the ink is on the paper, nothing is certain.

In 2025, Rodgers went 10-6 as a starter under Mike Tomlin, posting 24 touchdowns, seven interceptions and a 94.8 passer rating at 42 years old.

Now 43, under new head coach Mike McCarthy - his old Packers boss - this is very likely the final chapter of his Hall of Fame story.

If Rodgers doesn't sign, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and Drew Allar are the other names in the frame. Most would agree that none of them inspires the same level of Paris-worthy billing, but not all.

Shough and the Saints' rebuild

In 2025, New Orleans had one of the more interesting seasons of any NFL team.

Derek Carr retired before a snap was taken, Spencer Rattler took his place before being benched, and then Tyler Shough - a second-round rookie out of Louisville - took over and exceeded expectations.

Shough completed 67.6% of his passes for 2,384 yards and 10 touchdowns. Those numbers would be encouraging numbers for any rookie, but were exceptional given the circumstances.

The Saints finished 6-11, but are hoping for much more as Shough heads into Year 2 with a host of new weapons at his disposal.

Standout wide receiver Olave returns, as does veteran running back Alvin Kamara, but the arrival of first-round rookie Tyson and tailback Travis Etienne gives New Orleans fans plenty of reason for optimism.

With tight end Juwan Johnson completing what suddenly looks like a promising group of skill players, the needle for head coach Kellen Moore's group is definitely pointing upward.

Pittsburgh's new era under HC Mike McCarthy

Mike Tomlin called time after eight AFC North titles and a Super Bowl triumph, bringing to an end a 19-year run with the Steelers - the longest tenure among NFL head coaches at the time.

Taking his place is Mike McCarthy, a former Super Bowl winner with the Packers, who arrives after a one-year hiatus from the league following a stint as head coach of the Cowboys.

If Rodgers returns, McCarthy's debut year in Pittsburgh will be measured by how he answers one question and one question alone: Can he guide them back to the postseason?

The Steelers haven't sat on their hands while they await Rodgers' decision, spending a third-rounder on developmental quarterback Drew Allar in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Allar is one of several new names added to the roster, including first-round offensive tackle Max Iheanachor and second-round wideout Germie Bernard.

The jewel in the crown of the offseason additions, however, was undoubtedly Michael Pittman, a talented wide receiver who amassed more than 5,000 receiving yards in six seasons with the Colts before Pittsburgh traded for him earlier this year.

How this group comes together, and whether they'll hit their stride in time for this Week 7 contest, will define the Steelers' season.

Steelers vs. Saints: Key matchups

Rodgers, Metcalf, and Pittman vs. New Orleans' secondary

Rodgers is more of a game manager than the gunslinger he once was, but he's every bit as watchable as ever.

And if this is his final season, playing an NFL game in Paris feels like exactly the kind of swansong moment he will cherish.

As one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the sport, the prospect of showcasing his talent with the limelight squarely focused upon him will be extra motivation to be at his best.

Metcalf, on his day, can be an absolute nightmare for cornerbacks, boasting the size and athleticism to take over a game.

The introduction of Pittman means more single coverage for both, which usually equals success for these two receivers.

The Saints allowed starting corner Alontae Taylor to leave in free agency, leaving them with a young secondary still in its development phase.

This is the matchup to watch, and may well decide which side emerges from Paris with the W.

Shough, Tyson and Olave vs. Pittsburgh's pass rush and secondary

Shough has had one half-season in the NFL. He showed real poise down the stretch in 2025, but facing a Steelers pass rush in only his second year is an entirely different proposition.

Pittsburgh's front has always generated pressure. If Shough hesitates for even a second, you can be assured the combination of T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Nick Herbig will make him pay.

If, however, Shough demonstrates the calm under pressure he showed last year, all eyes will be on how Tyson helps ease the burden on Olave, who, until now, has so often been a one-man show.

The Steelers secondary will arrive in France ready, strengthened by the acquisitions of cornerback Jamel Dean and safety Jaquan Brisker in free agency.

New Orleans' upgraded offensive personnel have the ability to take the game to the Steelers ' defense, but for all their new talent on that side of the ball, they may find themselves in a hole if they don't stay ahead of the chains.

Kamara and Etienne vs. the Steelers' run defense

For years, Alvin Kamara has been one of the most dynamic dual-threats in the league.

But he's now 30 - ancient by running back standards - and New Orleans saw fit to hand former Jaguars' back Etienne a four-year $52 million deal in March.

The idea that Kamara will relinquish his role may seem bizarre to those unaware of his injury history, but the size of Etienne's contract suggests he'll shoulder the load going forward.

A committee of sorts, albeit a lopsided one favouring Etienne, seems the most likely outcome.

Whoever totes the rock, they'll need to be effective to relieve the pressure on Shough on the passing attack. If not, the dangerous Pittsburgh pass rush will pin their ears back and take over the game. 

Steelers vs. Saints: Series record

It's close between these two, with New Orleans leading the all-time series 9-8-0.

The Saints haven't beaten the Steelers in years, but they've had only one chance since their last win in 2018, with Pittsburgh winning 20-10 in 2022.

As things stand, Mike McCarthy's side comes into this one as the bookmakers' favourites, but those odds may swing the other way depending on how each team fares earlier in the season.

Either way, Paris is about to discover what NFL football looks and sounds like, and with Rodgers flying the banner, it couldn't be a better introduction.