Legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick is coming to Dublin. The University of North Carolina’s blockbuster hire will lead the Tar Heels against Texas Christian University in the 2026 Aer Lingus College Football Classic, set to kick off the college football season on August 29 at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.

Belichick, widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in the history of professional sports, brings an unprecedented résumé to the college game. With eight Super Bowl rings to his name — six as head coach of the New England Patriots and two as an assistant with the New York Giants — his arrival at UNC signals a new era for the program.

“We’re grateful to be selected to participate in the 2026 Aer Lingus College Football Classic. It’s a tremendous opportunity for our programme and we’re excited to represent the university and our community on an international stage,” said Belichick.

The Dublin matchup will be the first-ever international football appearance for both UNC and TCU.

The game is expected to draw tens of thousands of American fans to Ireland and will mark only the fifth all-time meeting between the two programs, dating back to 1940.

It will also be the fifth time that Dublin has hosted the opening game of the College Football season.

“We are thrilled to welcome TCU and the University of North Carolina to Dublin for the 2026 Aer Lingus College Football Classic,” said Padraic O’Kane, Co-Founder and Director of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic.

“This marquee matchup marks the fifth game in our initial five-year series, which we’re proud to announce has now been extended by 2 more years through to 2028. Universities from Pittsburgh and Wisconsin are set to clash in 2027 and strong discussions are currently in play for a competitive 2028 game too.”

“Even more exciting, we’re working closely with the government and key stakeholders to extend the series by another decade, firmly establishing Dublin as the European home of college football and a premier destination for world-class international sporting events.”

“I welcome the news that TCU and the University of North Carolina have been chosen to play the fifth game in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic series,” added Patrick O’Donovan, Irish Minister for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport. “This event is now a firm fixture in the Irish sporting calendar. It has huge benefits for Irish tourism, the wider economy, and our sports ecosystem and indeed creates a great atmosphere in Dublin for visitors and locals alike. We look forward to welcoming the teams and their supporters in August 2026 to the Aviva Stadium and to Dublin and beyond, as they take the opportunity of the occasion to explore other parts of Ireland.”

“The series is known for how it generates many networking opportunities, facilitates educational links between universities and creates enduring friendships between American and Irish people,” said Minister of State with Responsibility for Sport Charlie McConalogue.

“It also presents a significant opportunity to strengthen the economic, sporting and cultural ties between the United States and Ireland at all levels.”

“The Aer Lingus College Football Classic is a key pillar in the Irish sporting calendar and plays a unique role in strengthening the ties between Ireland and the United States,” said Lynne Embleton, Aer Lingus CEO.

“This celebrated event draws tens of thousands of College Football fans to Irish shores each year, offering them the chance to support their teams whilst experiencing the unparalleled warmth of Irish hospitality. As an airline committed to connecting people, places and possibilities, Aer Lingus is proud to fly 21 routes from North America to Ireland in 2025. We look forward to welcoming Texas Christian University (TCU), University of North Carolina (UNC), and their many supporters, as they travel with Aer Lingus to Dublin for what promises to be an unforgettable game.”

UNC Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham praised the global platform: “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.”

While the spotlight will shine brightly on Belichick, TCU is no stranger to the big stage. The Horned Frogs reached the College Football National Championship game in 2022 and will look to make a statement of their own under head coach Sonny Dykes.

 

 

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SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE

The arrival of one of the greatest coaches in the world of sport adds another rich layer to this series which it is great to see of being talked of in the decades rather than year by year.

WHAT’S UP NEXT?

The 2025 Aer Lingus College Football Classic will take place on Saturday, August 23rd at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.

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