
Grammy Award-winning Nigerian superstar Burna Boy is set to make history as the headline act for the NFL’s first-ever regular-season game in Paris. The landmark event, featuring a high-stakes matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New Orleans Saints, is scheduled for Sunday, October 25, 2026, at the iconic Stade de France. This performance signifies a major milestone for both the artist and the league as they collaborate to bring American football to the heart of France while showcasing global musical talent.
This return to the Stade de France is particularly significant for Burna Boy, who previously made history at the venue as the first African artist to headline a solo concert there, an event attended by over 80,000 fans. In a statement regarding the upcoming halftime show, the "African Giant" singer expressed his pride in representing African music during such a historic sporting event. The selection of Burna Boy underscores the massive global appeal of Afrobeats and its burgeoning influence within the international sports and entertainment industries.
The Paris fixture is a cornerstone of the NFL’s most ambitious international calendar to date, which includes a record nine regular-season games across four continents. This expansion strategy reflects a broader effort by the league to utilize cultural diplomacy by pairing elite sporting events with world-class musical acts. In addition to Burna Boy’s headline set in Paris, the NFL’s international roster this season includes performances by other major stars such as Ricky Martin and Ayra Starr, further bridging the gap between diverse global audiences through the fusion of sports and music.
Global audiences can watch the game and halftime performance live on ESPN and through the NFL Game Pass. Local broadcasts in France will be available through France Télévisions and beIN Sports, while fans in Ghana and across the African continent can follow the event on ESPN. This performance is expected to be a highlight of the NFL's international series, solidifying the league's presence in Europe and Burna Boy's status as a premier global entertainer.