CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WNCN) – The University of North Carolina football team reportedly aims to try its hand with the luck of the Irish to open the 2026 regular season.
UNC athletics director Bubba Cunningham made the announcement on Tuesday, moving its previously scheduled game with TCU overseas to Dublin, Ireland.
“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,” Cunningham said in a released statement. “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 have a globally recognized university and athletics program that exemplifies excellence in all we do,” UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Lee Roberts said in a statement. “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 marks the first time in program history that UNC will play a game abroad.
“We’re grateful to be selected to participate in the 2026 Aer Lingus College Football Classic,” UNC head football coach Bill Belichick said in a statement. “It’s a tremendous opportunity for our program and we’re excited to represent the university and our fans on an international stage.”
Both UNC and TCU originally agreed to a home-and-home series, which is slated to begin this year as the Horned Frogs travel to Chapel Hill to square off against the Tar Heels in Kenan Memorial Stadium.
The return game had been scheduled at TCU’s home field on Sept. 5, 2026, but the second matchup in the series will now be held at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
The venue has played host to six college football games since 2012, including Georgia Tech’s victory over Florida State to kick off the 2024 season.
The 2026 Aer Lingus College Football Classic is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 29.