TCU will represent as the home team while UNC recently appointed renowned head football coach Bill Belichick, recognised for winning eight Super Bowls in the NFL.
The Aer Lingus College Football Classic aims to fortify ties between Ireland and the United States, contributing to Irish tourism and creating a festive atmosphere in Dublin.
Both universities have rich athletic histories, with TCU being a two-time National Championship winner, and UNC producing legendary figures across sports, including basketball star Michael Jordan.
The ongoing series strengthens cultural and economic connections between Ireland and the US, with plans for expansion beyond 2028 to further establish Dublin as the European hub for college football.
UNC Head Football Coach Bill Belichick shared; “It’s a tremendous opportunity for our programme and we’re excited to represent the university and our community on an international stage.”
UNC Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham shared: “We appreciate being chosen for this event and we look forward to having our alumni and fans join us in Ireland,”
TCU Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Mike Buddie shared: “This is more than just a football game. It’s an opportunity to advance TCU’s brand globally.”
Patrick O’Donovan, Irish Minister for Sport shared: “I welcome the news that TCU and the University of North Carolina have been chosen to play,”
Padraic O’Kane, Co-Founder and Director of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic shared:.
“This marquee matchup marks the fifth game in our initial five-year series.”
Texas Christian University (TCU) and the University of North Carolina (UNC) will commence the 2026 college football season in Dublin during the Aer Lingus College Football Classic on August 29, 2026, at Aviva Stadium.
TCU will represent as the home team while UNC recently appointed renowned head football coach Bill Belichick, recognised for winning eight Super Bowls in the NFL.
The Aer Lingus College Football Classic aims to fortify ties between Ireland and the United States, contributing to Irish tourism and creating a festive atmosphere in Dublin.
Both universities have rich athletic histories, with TCU being a two-time National Championship winner, and UNC producing legendary figures across sports, including basketball star Michael Jordan.
The ongoing series strengthens cultural and economic connections between Ireland and the US, with plans for expansion beyond 2028 to further establish Dublin as the European hub for college football.
UNC Head Football Coach Bill Belichick shared; “It’s a tremendous opportunity for our programme and we’re excited to represent the university and our community on an international stage.”
UNC Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham shared: “We appreciate being chosen for this event and we look forward to having our alumni and fans join us in Ireland,”
TCU Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Mike Buddie shared: “This is more than just a football game. It’s an opportunity to advance TCU’s brand globally.”
Patrick O’Donovan, Irish Minister for Sport shared: “I welcome the news that TCU and the University of North Carolina have been chosen to play,”
Padraic O’Kane, Co-Founder and Director of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic shared:. “This marquee matchup marks the fifth game in our initial five-year series.”
