The NFL did the best it could to make Sunday morning’s game for the New Orleans Saints against the Pittsburgh Steelers feel as much of a natural home game as possible, all the way down to its sound.
Before kickoff, New Orleans-based brass band The Soul Rebels performed the U.S. National Anthem. The funky, rhythmic rendition perfectly encapsulated the authentic spirit of New Orleans.
The performance was 90 seconds at Stade de France, and the group was also booked to perform on a small stage at the end of each quarter.
New Orleans-based brass band The Soul Rebels gave an incredible rendition of the U.S. National Anthem before the first ever NFL game in Paris. @NFLFrance PITvsNO on NFL Network Stream on @NFLPlus https://t.co/i9vykYm4Ej
— NFL (@NFL) October 25, 2026
Earlier this week, to celebrate the booking, the group released a song titled “Saints in Paris,” which was written by trumpeter Marcus “Red” Hubbard.
The band has previously performed at NFL events, like on dedia day during Super Bowl LIX week in New Orleans in 2025. Keith Spera reported the band reached out to the league as soon as the Paris game was announced and said they wanted to be a part of the international event.
After the Saints’ game, The Soul Rebels plan on traveling to England to perform two shows at Blue Note London on Monday. This is the group’s first time performing in Europe since 2018.
French R&B singer Nina Tonji performed the French National Anthem as the ESPN broadcast noted that the nation’s citizens are currently protesting against the government over the cost of living.
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The Soul Rebels play on the field at Stade de France as they warm up the crowd before the New Orleans Saints vs. Pittsburgh Steelers game in Paris on Sunday, October 25, 2026. (STAFF PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER)
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