The Pittsburgh Steelers claimed victory over the New Orleans Saints during the NFL’s debut match in France. Despite civil unrest in Paris throughout the week, the game proceeded smoothly.
Unrest in the city stemmed from anger over living costs and declining public services. Calls to postpone the game followed incidents of violence, looting, and vandalism. Even President Donald Trump expressed concerns about the situation.
Despite these concerns, the NFL did not falter. They continued with the plans, even as Paris Saint-Germaine postponed its match due to the unrest. The NFL worked closely with local police and authorities, and met with President Emmanuel Macron to ensure safety protocols were in place.
The Enthusiastic Fans
Many fans attended the game, undeterred by the potential for conflict. One fan mentioned seeing graffiti but little more regarding unrest. Another noted only minor delays as an issue.
A fan from Mexico, familiar with protests in his own country, remained unfazed by the events in France. He came to enjoy the game, prioritizing it over local issues.
Security was tight, overseen by Parisian police, French authorities, and the U.S. State Department. This ensured a smooth experience for those at the Stade de France.
Impact on Paris Experience
Some visitors found parts of Paris less accessible, with shops boarded up and windows damaged. Despite seeing beautiful city aspects suffer, the overall experience was not as severe as anticipated. Concerns about property damage and violence were expressed by attendees.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated the game would transpire without complications. This assurance was echoed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Upcoming International Matches
Five more international games are on the 2026 NFL schedule. The Cincinnati Bengals face the Atlanta Falcons in Madrid during Week 9. In Week 10, the New England Patriots meet the Detroit Lions in Munich. The following week, the Minnesota Vikings play the San Francisco 49ers in Mexico City.
This report is authored by Scott Thompson, a sports writer for Fox News Digital.