U.S. President Donald Trump expressed concerns on October 23, 2026, about the National Football League (NFL) proceeding with its first regular-season game in Paris amid escalating civil unrest in France. Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trump said the NFL “could have probably postponed” the Sunday matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints scheduled at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, just north of Paris.
“I think maybe it’s looking like tomorrow is going to be a bad day in France, so you worry about it,” Trump said. “I would have said the NFL could have probably postponed that match … because France is really in trouble.” He linked the unrest to political and immigration policies, stating, “That’s what happens when you go left. That’s what happens when you allow unlimited numbers of people into your country from very unfriendly countries.”[1][2]
Context of Unrest and Security Warnings in France
France has faced weeks of protests initially triggered by student complaints over poor education conditions, expanding into a broader social movement against high living costs, fuel price rises, and governance issues. Recent demonstrations have escalated dramatically, including violent riots, looting, and clashes with police, leading to over 2,400 arrests and police deploying more than 70,000 officers nationwide for an expected peak of unrest on October 24, the day before the NFL game.
The U.S. State Department issued a security advisory on October 22, warning Americans in Paris to “exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings,” avoiding demonstrations and any areas with large crowds or police activity. The advisory noted that the demonstrations could shift routes unexpectedly and placed France under a Level 2 travel advisory due to terrorism and unrest risks.[2][6]
NFL Response and Preparations
Despite the unrest, the NFL has affirmed that the Steelers-Saints game would proceed as scheduled on October 25, 2026. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said at an owner’s meeting earlier in the week that preparations were made in close coordination with French and U.S. authorities, and street protests are “not unusual in France.” He expressed high confidence in the safety measures, stating, “Very high is my comfort level.”[1][4][5]
League security executive Peter O’Reilly emphasized the NFL would maintain a heightened security presence around the game, with league security officials already on the ground in France. Goodell, along with Saints and Steelers owners, met with French President Emmanuel Macron on October 23 to discuss the game and the NFL’s long-term France plans.[1][6][7]
The NFL assured that the event would not deplete French resources handling protests and stressed the importance of team, fan, and all personnel safety.[6]
Reactions from Teams and Officials
Steelers fans’ weekend events already faced cancellation due to security concerns, but Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said Friday, “The NFL is alert to what’s going on. This game means a lot to the NFL. If it was unsafe, then I’m sure we wouldn’t be here.”[2][5][6]
The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, confirmed his conversation with Goodell and conveyed confidence from the American embassy in France that the game would not be impacted.[1][9]
Notably, a major French sporting event, Paris Saint-Germain’s soccer game against Lyon originally set for the same day in Paris, was postponed to Monday evening at police request due to stretched security resources.[2][5][6]
Political Context and Criticism
President Trump’s comments reflect broader political discourse about immigration and the influence of left-leaning policies in France, using the civil unrest as an example of what he warns could happen in the United States. Trump has repeatedly associated the protests with immigration problems, though French officials have also pointed to ultra-left groups and political agitators as responsible for violence amidst mostly peaceful protests.[2][6]
While some Republicans echo those warnings, the NFL and U.S. diplomatic officials emphasize that security remains robust and that they continue monitoring the situation closely.[4][9]
Summary
The NFL’s landmark regular season game in France is poised to go forward on October 25, 2026, despite significant nationwide unrest and protests in Paris. President Trump publicly cautioned the league should have postponed due to safety concerns, but the NFL, team officials, and U.S. authorities affirm the safety plans and commitment to proceed. More than ever, the game will serve as a test of logistical and security coordination amid a challenging environment for France.
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