Full Breakdown
Steelers Stave Off Saints in NFL’s First Regular-Season Game in Paris
By Drooid · · How we work
The Game-Day Summary
On October 25, 2026, the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the New Orleans Saints 16–10 at the Stade de France, the NFL’s inaugural regular-season contest on French soil. Aaron Rodgers threw a 4-yard touchdown to tight end Darnell Washington, moving into third place on the all-time regular-season touchdown-pass list with his 540th strike. Payton Wilson’s red-zone interception of Saints quarterback Tyler Shough in the third quarter halted a comeback and set up a 39-yard field goal by Chris Boswell that extended the lead. New Orleans answered with a 1-yard touchdown pass to Devaughn Vele, but a missed 52-yard field goal by Daniel Carlson and a final off-sides penalty sealed the outcome.
Background & Context
The Paris matchup was the sixth of nine international games scheduled for the 2026 season, following outings in Dublin (2025) and Melbourne (2026). Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed plans for future venues in Tokyo, Madrid, Munich and Mexico City. The event unfolded amid nationwide protests over rising living costs and school funding, prompting heightened security but no cancellation.
Data & Statistics
- Final score: Steelers 16, Saints 10
- Attendance: 78,488
- Passing: Rodgers 19-of-30 for 212 yards, 1 TD; Shough 30-of-38 for 278 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
- Rushing: Jaylen Warren 101 yards on 18 carries (5.6 ypc); Saints 18 yards on 17 carries (1.1 ypc)
- Key plays: 51-yard pass to DK Metcalf; 4-yard TD to Darnell Washington; Wilson’s 18-yard interception return
- Field goals: Boswell 28 yd, 47 yd, 39 yd (3/3); Carlson 38 yd (1/2)
Official Statements & Responses
- Aaron Rodgers said, “I definitely think that the NFL is alert to what’s going on. This game means a lot to the NFL. If it was unsafe, then I’m sure we wouldn’t be here.”
- NFL officials confirmed that “all preparations were completed” and security measures were in place.
Criticism & Opposition
President Donald Trump questioned the decision to proceed, suggesting the league “could have probably postponed” the game given the protests.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Sometimes you’ve got to suck it up and make a play for your guys,” — Aaron Rodgers
- “That’s honestly just a credit to our coaches and what we do every day in practice,” — Payton Wilson
- “I definitely think that the NFL is alert to what’s going on. This game means a lot to the NFL. If it was unsafe, then I’m sure we wouldn’t be here,” — Aaron Rodgers
Why It Matters
The win gave Pittsburgh its fifth victory of the season (5-2) and solidified Rodgers’ standing among the league’s elite passers. Successfully staging a high-profile game in a volatile environment demonstrated the NFL’s ability to manage security challenges while expanding its global footprint, potentially encouraging more international weeks.