UNC football to play 2026 season opener in Ireland against TCU

DUBLIN, Ireland — The North Carolina football team has made an adjustment to its schedule for the 2026 season.

Instead of opening on the road against TCU as previously planned, the Tar Heels are now set to play the Horned Frogs across the pond in Ireland. UNC offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens made the announcement in an X post Tuesday morning.

The matchup is officially designated as the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. The game will be played in Dublin at Aviva Stadium, home to the country’s national rugby and soccer teams.

The Tar Heels are also scheduled to open the 2025 season against TCU. That game is set for September 1 and will be played at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill.

“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,’’ UNC Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham said in a 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.”

Aviva Stadium has hosted six college football games since 2012, including last year’s matchup between Georgia Tech and Florida State. This year, Kansas State and Iowa State will meet on Aug. 23 for the 2025 edition of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic.

The 2026 opener against TCU will be the Tar Heels’ lone non-conference game away from home that season. UNC is also scheduled to play East Tennessee State, UConn and Notre Dame at home before opening ACC play.

The 2025 season will mark North Carolina’s first under new head coach Bill Belichick, who joined the team this offseason after spending the 2024 season in the sidelines. Belichick was most recently the coach of the New England Patriots, with whom he won six Super Bowls.

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