North Carolina, TCU to Open 2026 College Football Season in Ireland

North Carolina and TCU will play in the fifth annual Aer Lingus College Football Classic at Aviva Stadium in Dublin on August 29, 2026.

The game at the 47,000-capacity Aviva Stadium will be one year after the same two teams open the 2025 college football season against each other on September 1 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. TCU will be the home team in Ireland.

“With a good number of our players not having traveled overseas, I am most happy for them to have this opportunity,” TCU coach Sonny Dykes said. “It will be special to take the field in Dublin and for our fans to see us on this type of stage in Ireland.”

The 2026 game will mark the first time the Horned Frogs have played abroad. North Carolina will become the fourth team from the ACC to compete in the classic, joining Boston College, Georgia Tech (which has played in the event twice) and Florida State.

“We’re grateful to be selected to participate in the 2026 Aer Lingus College Football Classic,” said North Carolina coach Bill Belichick. “It’s a tremendous opportunity for our program and we’re excited to represent the university and our fans on an international stage.”

The 2024 matchup between Georgia Tech and Florida State drew more than 28,400 international visitors from 26 countries, contributing an estimated €146 million to the Irish economy. In 2025, Kansas State and Iowa State will open the college football season in Ireland with an estimated 21,000 U.S. fans expected to make the transatlantic trip for game week.

“This event is now a firm fixture in the Irish sporting calendar,” said Patrick O’Donovan, Irish Minister for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport. ” It has huge benefits for Irish tourism, the wider economy, and our sports ecosystem and indeed creates a great atmosphere in Dublin for visitors and locals alike.”

As title sponsor, Aer Lingus is responsible for transporting the teams and their delegations to Dublin.

“The Aer Lingus College Football Classic is a key pillar in the Irish sporting calendar and plays a unique role in strengthening the ties between Ireland and the United States,” Aer Lingus Chief Executive Lynne Embleton said. “Aer Lingus is proud to fly 21 routes from North America to Ireland in 2025. We look forward to welcoming TCU, the University of North Carolina and their many supporters as they travel with Aer Lingus to Dublin for what promises to be an unforgettable game.”

UNC has won each of the previous three games against TCU, the most recent in 1997 with a 31-10 victory in Fort Worth, Texas.

“We are excited to welcome TCU and North Carolina to Dublin for the 2026 Aer Lingus Classic and offer one-of-a-kind experiences to local and traveling fans,” said John Anthony, co-founder of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic and executive vice president of On Location. “This compelling matchup promises to deliver another unforgettable start to the college football season in front of a passionate crowd at Aviva Stadium.”