The Pittsburgh Steelers were on the good end of a phenomenal 2025 International showdown versus the Minnesota Vikings. Having the game in Dublin, Ireland meant a lot to the organization and Rooney family. While there won't be a game there in 2026, it appears as if the franchise is headed across the world once again based on new reports.
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Daniel Rooney celebrating in Dublin, Ireland to celebrate the new marketing partnership between the Steelers and the country of Ireland.
The NFL is continuing to expand all over the world and the goal is to one day have an International contest each and every week. Some teams are even playing more than one each season. Pittsburgh was viewed as a bit of a long shot to have one in 2026, but that has suddenly shifted gears. With the schedule release days away, The Athletic's Mike DeFabo is confirming a previous leak that suggested the Steelers were headed to Paris, France to take on the New Orleans Saints.
Hearing this is accurate. The Steelers are headed to Paris this season. https://t.co/SxwcYYCteN
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) May 12, 2026
It was originally reported by a French journalism outlet that the Cleveland Browns would be playing the Saints in Week 7. That is apparently incorrect information, with Pittsburgh set to face off against New Orleans. Art Rooney II and the Steelers will get the opportunity to experience what kind of fan base the franchise has over in France, which will be an awesome opportunity.
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Steelers Team President Art Rooney II roams the sidelines as the team warms up and gets ready to compete in a 2022 preseason matchup at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
The league's full slate will be revealed on Thursday evening, but announcements and/or leaks typically come out in the days prior. This wasn't necessarily expected, so it should be rather exciting for fans who might want to travel to see Pittsburgh play in yet another country. It's also nice that one of the Steelers' away games will not necessarily be in enemy territory. There's a chance of more fans rooting for Rooney's group instead of the New Orleans.
DeFabo threw in a little bit of a joke regarding the expected matchup, which will feature two teams that have won Super Bowls in the 21st century.
Steelers-Saints in Paris makes perfect sense.
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) May 12, 2026
New Orleans has the Fleur-de-lis. Pittsburgh puts French fries on sammiches.
This comes at an ideal time during the NFL season, as it will roughly be halfway through the 2026 campaign.
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Steelers Team President and Owner Art Rooney II addresses the crowd during Franco Harris' emotional retirement ceremony on Dec. 24th, 2022 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
Steelers' 2026 Bye Week Likely Now Known For The Season
While the schedule has not been fully released, teams often are give the option to accept their bye week immediately after a game that is not played in the United States, for the most part. Pittsburgh took that in 2025 after the Ireland matchup, so fans can play on the Steelers being off in Week 8, which will occur in the first week of November.
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