The NFL is playing nine games outside the U.S. for the first time in 2026, with matchups spanning seven countries across four continents.
Five international games have already been played, including three in London and one each in Brazil and Australia. Next up is Paris, but growing unrest in France has some fans questioning whether the game should go ahead as planned.
France is experiencing some of its worst rioting and social unrest in years. Authorities have imposed localized curfews and other restrictions in Paris and several other French cities, including an 11 p.m.-6 a.m. curfew around Place de la République and Les Halles.
On Monday, a WFAN caller asked former NFL MVP Boomer Esiason why Commissioner Roger Goodell was still moving forward with the Paris game. Esiason didn’t hold back in his response, warning that the game could provide a focal point for further unrest.
Boomer Esiason Fears NFL Game in Paris Could Attract Rioters
The NFL has said preparations remain on schedule, with no disruption reported at league sites. The league is continuing to monitor the security situation in coordination with French authorities. Still, Esiason believes the situation could take a turn for the worse as game day approaches.
“They claim that where they are going, there is no unrest. But if you want to amplify your unrest, the best way to do it would be around an NFL football game in France. It is ugly over there right now, and it’s basically uncontrolled,” Esiason said on “Boomer and Gio.”
“It’s out of control,” he added in response to his co-host’s account of the historic Hôtel de Ville in Limoges, France, being set ablaze and partially collapsing. “I don’t necessarily know whether the French government has the stones to put it to rest. But right now, it’s about as bad as it’s ever been.”
The unrest has reached the point where police in parts of Paris have fired tear gas while retreating from large crowds of protesters, many of them young people dressed in black and wearing hoodies, masks, and goggles for protection.
BE THE GM OF YOUR FAVORITE TEAM:PFN’s Free NFL Mock Draft Simulator
Authorities said Monday that about 2,400 people had been arrested across France and at least 3,000 businesses had been damaged or looted.
Paris police have also imposed an overnight curfew covering parts of the city, including Place de la République and Les Halles, from 11 p.m. Monday to 6 a.m. Tuesday.
Despite the growing concerns, the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints are still scheduled to face off in Paris on Oct. 25. The Saints arrived in Paris on Monday, while the Steelers are expected to travel later this week.
The NFL, meanwhile, has reaffirmed that the game will go ahead as planned.
PREDICT THE NFL SEASON:PFN’s Free NFL Playoff Predictor
“Preparations continue as scheduled for NFL events and the game at Stade de France next Sunday,” the league said in a statement released Sunday. “We continue to work closely with local authorities and partners on all operational and security matters. We are also providing the two clubs with regular updates. There’s been no disruption or impact at league sites.”
Saints executive Greg Bensel also issued a statement confirming the team’s plans to play in Paris.
“We concur with the NFL’s statement and are planning to play the game. In addition to working closely with the NFL, we have also maintained daily security updates with our security partners in France,” Bensel said. “Members of our football operations staff and internal security team have been on the ground in France for the past few days and there has been no disruption or impact at any of our team sites.”
While the league and the Saints insist preparations remain on track, the situation could put pressure on the NFL Players’ Association to address the safety concerns and clarify whether it has any reservations about proceeding with the game as scheduled.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.