NC State and Virginia Set to Make College Football History in Brazil

In a groundbreaking development for college football, the North Carolina State University (NC State) Wolfpack and the University of Virginia (UVA) Cavaliers are scheduled to play the first-ever college football game in Brazil during the 2026 season. This matchup, confirmed by multiple sources including 247Sports, will not only mark the inaugural game for both teams outside the United States but will also count as an Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) contest. The game is set to take place the weekend prior to Labor Day weekend, replacing a previously scheduled non-conference game in Charlottesville, Virginia.

247SportsACC football’s NC State, Virginia to make history with 2026 Brazil gameReport: NC State, Virginia to play game in Brazil in 2026

Historically, NC State and Virginia have faced each other numerous times since their first encounter in 1904. As of now, NC State leads the series with a record of 37 wins, 21 losses, and 1 tie, having won the last four matchups. Their most recent game occurred in 2025, where NC State triumphed with a score of 35-31. The significance of the upcoming game extends beyond the field, as it represents a strategic move for both programs in the context of international exposure and competition.

247Sports

The decision to host a college football game in Brazil aligns with a growing trend of international games in the sport. The ACC has previously held games outside the U.S., including a notable contest in Dublin, Ireland, in 2024. Other college football matchups are also scheduled abroad, such as the game between the University of North Carolina and Texas Christian University (TCU) in Ireland in 2026, and a Big 12 game between Arizona State and Kansas at Wembley Stadium in London.

Report: NC State, Virginia to play game in Brazil in 2026ACC football’s NC State, Virginia to make history with 2026 Brazil game247Sports

The announcement of the game has been met with enthusiasm, highlighting the ACC's commitment to expanding the reach of college football. According to R. Cory Smith from 247Sports, this game will serve as a significant milestone for both NC State and Virginia, emphasizing the importance of international engagement in college athletics.

ACC football’s NC State, Virginia to make history with 2026 Brazil game

While the move has been largely celebrated, some critics question the implications of playing a conference game abroad. Concerns have been raised regarding the logistics, potential impact on team performance, and the overall experience for players and fans. However, the excitement surrounding the historical nature of the event appears to outweigh these concerns for many stakeholders.

ACC football’s NC State, Virginia to make history with 2026 Brazil game

As the 2026 season approaches, further details regarding the logistics of the game, including venue specifics and fan engagement opportunities, are expected to be announced. The matchup promises to be a pivotal moment for both programs, potentially reshaping their trajectories within the ACC and enhancing the global profile of college football.

ACC football’s NC State, Virginia to make history with 2026 Brazil game

• “NC State and Virginia are set to play a game in Brazil in 2026, according to PackPride sources. It will count as an ACC contest, with the two teams playing the first-ever game in Brazil and the first international game for both teams.” — R. Cory Smith, 247Sports

ACC football’s NC State, Virginia to make history with 2026 Brazil game

• “And for NC State and Virginia, the 2026 matchup promises to be more than historic; it could reshape their conference trajectories on an international stage.” — ClutchPoints

ACC football’s NC State, Virginia to make history with 2026 Brazil game