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NFL Shares Safety Plans to Address Growing Concerns for Steelers-Saints Game in Paris Amid Civil Unrest

Paris has been gripped by civil unrest for quite some time now, and it has got the world’s attention. It is bad timing for the NFL, who were all set for their first game in the French capital, a matchup…

By Papiya Chatterjee · Essentially Sports

Published: Wednesday, 21 October 2026 at 1:18 AM

Key Things to Know

The NFL confirmed the Steelers-Saints game in Paris will proceed despite civil unrest, with heightened security measures in place.
League officials, including security head Cathy Lanier, are coordinating with French authorities and the U.S. State Department.
Widespread protests across France have resulted in over 1,200 arrests and 150 injured police officers.

The Story in 60 Seconds

The NFL has announced heightened security plans to ensure the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints game in Paris proceeds as scheduled despite ongoing civil unrest in France. League executive Peter O'Reilly confirmed that the NFL is coordinating closely with French authorities and the U.S. State Department. Senior vice president of security Cathy Lanier and other officials have traveled to Paris to supervise event preparations at the Stade de France.

The security concerns follow widespread, violent demonstrations across France sparked by protests over education, living costs, and public services that led to 1,200 arrests and 150 injured police officers. Despite calls to relocate or cancel the matchup, Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy expressed confidence in the team's safety protocols as the NFL continues expanding its international slate.

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