President Donald Trump told reporters on Friday, October 23, 2026, that the NFL "could have probably postponed" an upcoming game in Paris between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New Orleans Saints. The president expressed concern over ongoing civil unrest in France, which has seen student-led protests over education conditions escalate into broader anti-government demonstrations and rioting. The game, scheduled for Sunday, October 25, is the first regular-season NFL contest to be held in France.
The president’s remarks followed a security alert issued by the U.S. State Department on Thursday, October 22. The alert advised Americans attending the game at the Stade de France to exercise caution due to planned protests on Saturday. While the State Department warned of potential last-minute changes to demonstration routes, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Thursday that the U.S. embassy felt the game "will be fine."
French authorities and the NFL have taken different approaches to the unrest. A weekend fan event for the Pittsburgh Steelers in Bastille was canceled as a precaution, and several Paris museums, including the Louvre, announced closures for the weekend. Additionally, the French soccer league moved a match between Paris Saint-Germain and Lyon from Sunday to Monday at the request of police. However, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated earlier this week that preparations were made in consultation with U.S. and French officials, noting that street protests are common in the country.
The decision to proceed with the game involves significant security resources during a period when the French government is already deploying an increased police presence to manage demonstrations. The game at the Stade de France, which seats tens of thousands, represents one of nearly a dozen international fixtures the NFL has scheduled this season to expand its global reach. A postponement or disruption would affect broadcasting schedules and the travel logistics of two major professional sports organizations that arrived in the country earlier this week.
Next steps for the event remain focused on the scheduled kickoff. The New Orleans Saints arrived in France on Monday, October 19, and the Pittsburgh Steelers arrived on Thursday, October 22. As of Friday afternoon, the NFL has not announced any changes to the game time, which is set for 9:30 a.m. EDT on Sunday, October 25. Protests are specifically anticipated on Saturday, October 24, which will serve as a final indicator for security conditions prior to the game.