| Union Jack Classic | |
|---|---|
| Status | Planned |
| Genre | College football |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Venue | Wembley Stadium |
| Locations | London, England, United Kingdom |
| Years active | 2026–present |
| Inaugurated | September 19, 2026 |
The Union Jack Classic is a planned series of neutral-site American football games featuring NCAA Division I FBS programs, to be played annually in London, England. Multiple outlets reported in September 2025 that the inaugural game is scheduled for September 19, 2026 at Wembley Stadium, matching the Kansas Jayhawks against the Arizona State Sun Devils in a Big 12 Conference matchup, as part of a multi-year agreement to stage the event in London.[1][2][3][4]
Background
[edit]The Big 12 has emphasized international expansion under commissioner Brett Yormark. Coverage of the Union Jack Classic described the London series as aligned with that effort, with additional Big 12 matchups under discussion beyond 2026.[3][2] Industry reporting also indicated that a presale window for each participating school's alumni and season-ticket holders was expected before general on-sale.[5]
The Union Jack Classic would be the first FBS game held in England and only the second college football game played in London; the first was the Imperial Bowl at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre on October 16, 1988, in which Richmond defeated Boston University 20–17.[6][7][4]
Games
[edit]| Year | Date | Matchup | Stadium | City | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | September 19, 2026 | Kansas vs Arizona State | Wembley Stadium | London, England | Reported; planned Big 12 game (Week 3). | [1][2][8][4] |
See also
[edit]- College football in Ireland
- List of college football games played outside the United States
- NFL International Series
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Reports: Kansas, Arizona State to play first FBS game at Wembley". Reuters. September 18, 2025. Retrieved September 28, 2025.
- ^ a b c Backus, Will (September 18, 2025). "Arizona State vs. Kansas in London: Big 12 matchup eyed for Wembley Stadium in 2026 season". CBS Sports. Retrieved September 28, 2025.
- ^ a b "Wembley Stadium to host CFB game in 2026". Sports Business Journal. September 18, 2025. Retrieved September 28, 2025.
- ^ a b c Thamel, Pete (September 18, 2025). "Sources: Kansas, Arizona State discussing '26 game in London". ESPN.com. Retrieved September 28, 2025.
- ^ "Wembley Stadium set to host American college football matches". The Stadium Business. September 19, 2025. Retrieved September 28, 2025.
- ^ "Spiders win, put on show in London". The Washington Post. Associated Press. October 16, 1988. Retrieved September 28, 2025.
- ^ "Quarterback Austin Neuhoff ran for a 1-yard touchdown with 1:36 to play..." UPI. October 16, 1988. Retrieved September 28, 2025.
- ^ Kelley, Kevin (September 18, 2025). "College football game to be played in London in 2026, per report". FBSchedules.com. Retrieved September 28, 2025.
External links
[edit]- Union Jack Classic at Kansas Athletics
