NC State and Virginia to Launch 2026 Season with Historic FBS Game in Brazil
NC State and Virginia will make history by launching the 2026 college football season in Brazil. This monumental event, marking the first-ever FBS game played in the country, is set for August 29, 2026, at Nilton Santos Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
Details of the Historic FBS Game in Brazil
The matchup between the two Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) schools will serve as the second part of an already scheduled nonconference home-and-home series. The first game took place earlier this season, where NC State narrowly defeated Virginia, 35-31, in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Event Organization and Broadcast
This groundbreaking event, dubbed College Football Brasil, is organized in collaboration with NIL firm Athlete Advantage and Brasil Sports Business. The game will be broadcasted on an ESPN network, providing fans worldwide access to this significant matchup.
International Presence of College Football
- The trend of international college football events has gained momentum, starting with the Aer Lingus Classic in Dublin.
- Iowa State recently faced Kansas State in Dublin during Week 0 this season.
- Upcoming, Arizona State and Kansas will participate in the Union Jack Classic in London in Week 3 of the next season.
- Michigan was in talks to move a 2026 game to Frankfurt, Germany, but will instead play in Ann Arbor.
Team Performance Overview
As both teams prepare for this historic encounter, their current seasons have seen varied success. Virginia ended its regular season with a notable record of 10-2 and is set to compete in the ACC championship game against Duke. In contrast, NC State concluded its season with a record of 7-5.
This exciting FBS game in Brazil marks a significant milestone for college football, showcasing its expansion and growing international interest.
