Could the Browns Be Headed to Paris in 2026? Here's What We Know So Far
The NFL is packing its bags for Paris. That much is official.
But whether the Cleveland Browns are joining the trip? That part’s still up in the air-at least publicly.
On February 2, the league confirmed it will play a regular-season game in Paris during the 2026 season, marking the first time the NFL will take the field in the French capital. The game is set for Stade de France, the country’s national stadium just outside Paris, and the New Orleans Saints have been named as the designated home team.
What the league hasn't revealed yet: the opponent, the date, or kickoff time. That information will come later this spring when the full 2026 NFL schedule drops.
But overseas, French outlet RMC Sports is already filling in some of the blanks. According to their report, the Browns are expected to face the Saints in Paris on October 25, 2026-Week 7 of the season. They even claim a promotional video has already been filmed at Stade de France, featuring Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
So far, there’s been no confirmation from the Browns’ side. In fact, the team says it hasn’t received any official word from the league about the trip. But there’s plenty of logic behind the matchup.
Why a Saints-Browns Game in Paris Makes Sense
Let’s start with the schedule. The Browns are due to visit New Orleans in 2026 as part of the regular AFC North vs.
NFC South rotation. That’s one of Cleveland’s eight road games, so they wouldn’t be giving up a home date to make the trip.
The Saints, meanwhile, will have nine home games that year. Of those, three are against NFC South rivals-Falcons, Panthers, and Buccaneers-which the league rarely sends overseas due to the importance of divisional matchups. That leaves six other opponents: the Browns, Cardinals, Packers, Raiders, Vikings, and Steelers.
Now, if you’re the Saints, you probably want teams like the Packers, Vikings, and Steelers in the Superdome, where the home-field advantage is real and the fan draw is strong. That narrows the list of potential international opponents down to the Cardinals, Browns, and Raiders-all teams currently sitting near the top of the 2026 draft board.
Add it all up, and the Browns make a lot of sense as the team heading to Paris.
A Look at Stade de France
If this game happens, it’ll be played in one of Europe’s most iconic venues. Stade de France holds just over 80,000 fans and has been the home for France’s national soccer and rugby teams since it opened for the 1998 FIFA World Cup. It’s hosted everything from Champions League finals to Olympic events and is located in Saint-Denis, just north of central Paris.
This will be the first time the NFL has played in France, but it’s part of a much broader international push by the league.
NFL’s Global Expansion Continues
The 2026 season is shaping up to be the most international in league history. The NFL has already confirmed games in London (three, as usual, including the Jaguars’ annual appearance), Munich, Madrid, Rio de Janeiro, and-for the first time ever-Melbourne, Australia, where the Rams will open the season.
That’s seven confirmed international games. Add Paris to the list, and we’re at eight. The league has hinted at as many as nine, so there could be one more surprise in store.
Browns’ History Abroad
If Cleveland does head to Paris, it won’t be their first international rodeo. The Browns played in London just last season, falling to the Vikings 21-17 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. That was only their second regular-season game overseas-the first came in 2017, also a loss to the Vikings, that time at Twickenham Stadium.
Cleveland has also played three preseason games outside the U.S.: in Montreal (1988), London (1989), and Toronto (1993).
Saints’ Track Record Overseas
The Saints are no strangers to international play, either. They last made the trip in 2022, dropping a tight one to the Vikings in London. Prior to that, they shut out the Dolphins 20-0 at Wembley in 2017 and beat the Chargers in a 2008 shootout, also in London.
What’s Next?
The full 2026 NFL schedule is expected to be released in mid-May, which is when we’ll get official confirmation of the opponent, date, and kickoff time for the Paris game. In the meantime, the speculation around the Browns’ involvement will continue to build.
Here’s what we do know: the Saints are hosting a game in Paris, and the Browns are scheduled to visit New Orleans. Everything else? Stay tuned.
Browns’ 2026 Opponents
Home Games:
- Ravens
- Bengals
- Steelers
- Falcons
- Panthers
- Texans
- Colts
- Raiders
Road Games:
- Ravens
- Bengals
- Steelers
- Jaguars
- Saints (possibly in Paris)
- Giants
- Jets
- Buccaneers
- Titans
If the RMC Sports report holds up, Browns fans might want to start brushing up on their French. Because "Dawg Pound" might be taking over Paris in 2026.