Union Jack Classic: College Football Comes to London in 2026

College football is making its way to London, England with talks of Arizona State and Kansas facing off at Wembley Stadium on Sept. 16, 2026. This event, known as the Union Jack Classic, is expected to be the first of many games to come. The last major college football game in the UK was between Richmond and Boston in 1988 at London's Crystal Palace National Sports Centre. The matchup between Arizona State and Kansas is scheduled for Week 3 of the 2026 season, a departure from the usual international games that take place during Week 0 or the bowl season. The Big 12 conference may also be featured in future Union Jack Classics after 2026.

While college football is new to England, the NFL has been a regular presence in the United Kingdom for almost two decades. The NFL has hosted at least three games in the UK every season since 2014. The upcoming game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium on Oct. 19, 2025, is a testament to the growing popularity of American football in the UK.

In conclusion, the Union Jack Classic in London marks a significant milestone for college football as it expands its reach to an international audience. With Arizona State and Kansas set to kick off this exciting event in 2026, fans can look forward to more thrilling matchups in the years to come.