In Fort Worth, Texas, it has been announced that TCU and North Carolina are set to kick off their 2026 season with an opener in Ireland. This event will occur just a year after Coach Bill Belichick begins his tenure with the Tar Heels by playing against the Horned Frogs on their home turf.
The much-anticipated matchup will take place as part of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic at Aviva Stadium in Dublin on August 29, 2026. This landmark game marks the first time either TCU or North Carolina will compete in an international setting.
Coach Belichick expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “It’s a tremendous opportunity for our program, and we’re thrilled to represent the university and our supporters on an international stage.”
Before the 2026 matchup, the two teams will face off on September 1 this year. On that day, Coach Belichick will have his debut game with North Carolina against TCU on Labor Day, marking it as the only college or NFL game scheduled for that Monday.
In the Ireland game, TCU will be designated as the home team. Originally, the teams were supposed to start the 2026 season with a game on September 5 in Fort Worth, Texas.
“This is far more than just a football game. It represents an opportunity to expand TCU’s brand worldwide while giving our student-athletes an extraordinary educational experience and a memory of a lifetime,” shared TCU’s athletic director, Mike Buddie.
Before this event, Iowa State and Kansas State, fellow Big 12 members with TCU, will be playing in Ireland on August 23. Last year, the Aer Lingus Classic featured Georgia Tech clinching a win against Florida State in a confrontation of ACC teams.