Bill Belichick's North Carolina will face off against TCU in Dublin, Ireland, to open the 2026 season in the annual Aer Lingus College Football Classic, the schools announced on Tuesday. The matchup marks the first international competition for both programs.

TCU and North Carolina will play their 2026 opener in Ireland. That will come a year after Bill Belichick’s debut as coach of the Tar Heels comes at home against the Horned Frogs.

The 2026 college football season will begin with a matchup between North Carolina and TCU in Dublin, Ireland, in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. The teams will play Aug. 29, 2026, at Aviva Stadium.