Texas Christian University (TCU) and the University of North Carolina (UNC) will open the 2026 college football season in Dublin for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic.

The game will be held on August 29, 2026, at Dublin's Aviva Stadium, organizers announced on Tuesday, April 22.

TCU, from Fort Worth, Texas, will serve as the home team in Dublin against UNC, which has recently appointed eight-time Super Bowl winner Bill Belichick as head football coach.

The 2026 Aer Lingus College Football Classic will be just the fifth time TCU and North Carolina football teams compete against each other, dating back to 1940, and the first time for both teams to have played football internationally.

“We’re grateful to be selected to participate in the 2026 Aer Lingus College Football Classic," Belichick said.

"It’s a tremendous opportunity for our program and we’re excited to represent the university and our community on an international stage."

UNC Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham further called the opportunity "outstanding," noting that it is a "terrific educational and cultural experience while showcasing the Carolina brand internationally."

Cunningham added: “We appreciate being chosen for this event and we look forward to having our alumni and fans join us in Ireland and cheer us on in person for what will be a memorable and special trip.”

TCU Head Football Coach Sonny Dykes said they will "take great pride" in representing their university internationally.

“With a good number of our players not having traveled overseas, I am most happy for them to have this opportunity and very much appreciate the Aer Lingus College Football Classic making it possible for them as well as all of TCU to share in this experience," 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. We have enjoyed watching past Aer Lingus College Football Classic games, and it’s a true honor for us to now play in it and kick off the 2026 college football season.”

TCU Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Mike Buddie said they were extremely honored to be invited to participate.

“This is more than just a football game," Buddie said. "It’s an opportunity to advance TCU’s brand globally while having our student-athletes experience a unique educational opportunity and memory of a lifetime.

"We thank Aer Lingus and Irish American Events for our selection and know our fans will travel very well, turning Dublin into a sea of purple.” 

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Patrick O’Donovan, Ireland's Minister for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport, also welcomed the announcement on Tuesday.

He said: “This event is now a firm fixture in the Irish sporting calendar. 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.

"We look forward to welcoming the teams and their supporters in August 2026 to the Aviva Stadium and to Dublin and beyond, as they take the opportunity of the occasion to explore other parts of Ireland.” 

Charlie McConalogue, Ireland's Minister of State with Responsibility for Sport, also said he is delighted to welcome the two collegiate teams to Ireland next year.

"This further solidifies Dublin's status as the European Home of College Football," McConalogue said.

"The series is known for the manner in which it generates many networking opportunities, facilitates educational links between universities, and creates enduring friendships between American and Irish people.

"It also presents a significant opportunity to strengthen the economic, sporting and cultural ties between the United States and Ireland at all levels.”

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Padraic O’Kane, Co-Founder and Director of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, said they are thrilled to welcome the two teams for next year's event.

“This marquee matchup marks the fifth game in our initial five-year series, which we’re proud to announce has now been extended by two more years through to 2028," O'Kane said.

"Universities from Pittsburgh and Wisconsin are set to clash in 2027, and strong discussions are currently in play for a competitive 2028 game too.

"Even more exciting, we’re working closely with the government and key stakeholders to extend the series by another decade, firmly establishing Dublin as the European home of college football and a premier destination for world-class international sporting events.”

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

Lynne Embleton, Aer Lingus Chief Executive, said: "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.

"This celebrated event draws tens of thousands of College Football fans to Irish shores each year, offering them the chance to support their teams whilst experiencing the unparalleled warmth of Irish hospitality."

Embleton said Aer Lingus is looking forward to welcoming the two US universities and their many supporters to Dublin next year.

Kansas State University will take on Iowa State University for this year's Aer Lingus Football Classic, set for August 23. 21,000 US fans have already confirmed to travel to Dublin for game week.