Football To Open 2026 Season Against TCU In Ireland

For the first time in program history, North Carolina's football program is heading abroad as the Tar Heels will participate in the 2026 Aer Lingus College Football Classic against TCU in Dublin, Ireland. The game is set for Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, at Aviva Stadium.

"We have a globally recognized university and athletics program that exemplifies excellence in all we do," said University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chancellor Lee H. Roberts. "We are proud to have our student-athletes represent our university on this international stage and for our fans and alumni to cheer on the Tar Heels in Ireland. This is a remarkable educational and cultural opportunity for our students, our program and our community."

"This is an outstanding opportunity for our student-athletes, coaches and staff to enjoy a terrific educational and cultural experience while showcasing the Carolina brand internationally,'' said Carolina Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham. "We appreciate being chosen for this event by Aer Lingus and thank John Anthony and his staff for making this possible. 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."

"We're grateful to be selected to participate in the 2026 Aer Lingus College Football Classic," said Carolina Head 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 Aer Lingus College Football Classic aims to bring American college football to Ireland each year to promote Irish-American relations and collaboration, and 2026 will mark the fifth consecutive season that college football begins its season with a game in Dublin.

"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 VP 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. We are honored that elite universities like TCU and UNC will continue our tradition to deliver 'Much More Than a Game' to their programs and supporters."

The 2026 matchup against the Horned Frogs will be the fifth all-time meeting in the series. The programs also will meet this fall to open the 2025 season in Kenan Stadium Sept. 1. UNC has won each of the previous three games against TCU, including the most recent in 1997 with a 31-10 victory in Fort Worth, Texas.

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.

"This is a terrific opportunity for North Carolina football, and we look forward to having another ACC team headed to Ireland in 2026," said ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips. "As a league, we appreciate our partners at Irish American Events and are thrilled that North Carolina will have this international experience to kick off the season next year. Having previously attended the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, they do an incredible job of putting on a first-class event for the student-athletes, programs, institutions, alumni and fans."

As title sponsor, Aer Lingus is responsible for transporting the teams and their delegations to Dublin. Aer Lingus, the Irish flag carrier, operates 21 routes from North America direct to Ireland, as well as offering seamless connections to Europe for U.S. travelers via its hub at Dublin airport.

"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. "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. As an airline committed to connecting people, places and possibilities, Aer Lingus is proud to fly 21 routes from North America to Ireland in 2025. We look forward to welcoming Texas Christian University (TCU), University of North Carolina (UNC), and their many supporters, as they travel with Aer Lingus to Dublin for what promises to be an unforgettable game."

The Aer Lingus Classic continues to grow in global stature each year. The 2024 matchup between Georgia Tech and Florida State drew more than 28,400 international visitors from 26 countries, contributing an impressive €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.

"I welcome the news that TCU and the University of North Carolina have been chosen to play the fifth game in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic series," said Patrick O'Donovan, Irish Minister for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport. "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."

Carolina fans can visit TarHeels2Ireland.com to learn more about the game and sign up for ticket updates including official UNC travel and hospitality packages, which will become available on Thursday, May 8.

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