Virginia to Open 2026 Season in Brazil, First College Football Game in South America

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Virginia and NC State will take part in College Football Brasil, the first-ever college football game in South America. The two teams will open the 2026 season in a Week 0 matchup on Aug. 29, 2026, at Nilton Santos Stadium (Engenhão) in Rio de Janeiro. 

The game will be televised nationally on an ESPN network, with additional streaming options under discussion. 

“This is a great opportunity for the University of Virginia and our football program,” Virginia Director of Athletics Carla Williams said. “UVA is already recognized globally, and this event allows us to expand our international presence, both as a leading academic institution and as a premier athletics program. We’re honored to participate in such a historic event and thrilled that Brazil will be our host.” 

College Football Brasil is powered by Athlete Advantage, in partnership with Brasil Sports Business, and with the full support of the Governor of the Rio de Janeiro State, Claudio Castro, and the city of Rio de Janeiro through the Mayor Eduardo Paes, highlighting one of the world’s premier sports cities. 

“College Football Brasil represents an extraordinary opportunity for two incredible universities and their football programs to showcase the best of our sport on an international stage while creating unforgettable experiences for student-athletes, fans, and the communities that support them,” said Athlete Advantage CEO Crowley Sullivan. “Rio is the perfect setting for an event of this magnitude, given its unmatched passion for sport and ability to host world-class competition.” 

Rio de Janeiro hosted the FIFA World Cup in 1950 and 2014, the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, and Copa America as recently as 2021. The National Football League has held matchups in São Paulo and recently signed a multi-year agreement to bring at least three more games to Brazil over five years, starting with a game in Rio de Janeiro in 2026. 

In May 2024, Virginia and NC State announced a home-and-home football non-conference series with NC State, however the matchup will now be played as an ACC conference game. The Cavaliers and Wolfpack played in Raleigh to a dramatic finish earlier this year. First contested in 1904, the Wolfpack lead the all-time series with UVA, 38-22-1. Virginia will still host six regular-season home games at Scott Stadium in 2026.

“To have NC State and Virginia open our conference schedule on an international stage in Rio de Janeiro speaks to the vision, innovation, and collaboration of our league,” stated Commissioner, Atlantic Coast Conference, Jim Phillips, Ph.D. “This is an extraordinary moment for the ACC and for college football. We appreciate College Football Brasil for this incredible opportunity to celebrate our student-athletes and highlight the global appeal of the ACC, our schools, and the sport of football. We’re proud of both institutions for leading the way in this historic event and our partners at ESPN, who will broadcast this premier event.”

Key Facts about College Football Brasil

• Historic First: First FBS college football game ever played in South America
• Matchup: NC State vs. Virginia
• Date: Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026
• Location: Nilton Santos Stadium (Engenhão), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Broadcast: Nationally televised on an ESPN network, with streaming options under discussion
• Organizers: Athlete Advantage, Brasil Sports Business, and with the full support of the Governor of the Rio de Janeiro State, Claudio Castro, and the city of Rio de Janeiro through the Mayor, Eduardo Paes.
• University Ticket Sales: Participating universities will open an exclusive presale window for tickets and fan packages on Dec. 1, 2025. Fans can purchase through each school’s ticket office and official representatives.
• Public Ticket Sales: Tickets will go on sale to the public on Dec. 15, 2025, through ticketmaster.com.br.
• Fan experience: Travel packages, cultural events, and VIP hospitality will be available at CollegeFootballBrasil.com.
  • For more information, visit CollegeFootballBrasil.com or contact participating universities.
• Official College Football Brasil Digital Channels
  • Website: CollegeFootballBrasil.com
  • Social: @CFB_Brasil_US