NC State and Virginia to Make History with First College Football Game in Brazil

On August 29, 2026, NC State and Virginia will face off in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, marking the first-ever Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) game played in South America. This event, dubbed "College Football Brasil," will take place at the Nilton Santos Stadium, also known as Engenhão, and will be broadcast on an ESPN network. The game is significant not only for its location but also for its role in expanding the global reach of college football.

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Originally scheduled as a nonconference matchup, the game between NC State and Virginia has been integrated into the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) schedule as the league transitions to nine conference games in 2026. This change means the game will count towards the ACC standings, unlike their previous encounter earlier in the season, which NC State won 35-31. The event is organized by Athlete Advantage in collaboration with Brasil Sports Business, and it has garnered support from local government partners in Rio de Janeiro.

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ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “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.” NC State's athletic director, Boo Corrigan, expressed excitement about the opportunity, noting, “It’s definitely a unique situation to play a road game versus Virginia in Brazil, but it should be an unforgettable experience.” Virginia's athletic director, Carla Williams, highlighted the event's potential to enhance the university's global presence, stating, “This is a great opportunity for the University of Virginia and our football program.”

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The game represents a growing trend in college football to embrace international venues, following events like the Aer Lingus Classic in Dublin and upcoming games in London. The choice of Rio de Janeiro, a city with a rich history of hosting major international events such as the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games, underscores the ambition to elevate college football's profile on a global scale. The event aims to celebrate student-athletes while showcasing the ACC's commitment to innovation and cultural exchange.

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While the game is set to be a landmark event, details regarding ticket sales and specific streaming options remain somewhat vague. Ticket presales are scheduled to begin on December 1, with public sales starting on December 15, but further information on pricing and availability has not been disclosed.

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• “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,” — Jim Phillips, ACC Commissioner

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• “We're excited about the opportunity to play a game in a beautiful, world-renowned city like Rio de Janeiro and to bring American football to another continent,” — Boo Corrigan, NC State Athletic Director

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• “This is a great opportunity for the University of Virginia and our football program,” — Carla Williams, Virginia Athletic Director

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This historic matchup not only highlights the evolution of college football but also sets the stage for future international events, reflecting the sport's expanding global appeal.

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