College Football Heads to South America: NC State and Virginia to Play in Rio de Janeiro
In a landmark event for collegiate athletics, NC State and Virginia will meet on August 29, 2026, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, marking the first college football game ever played in South America. The game, branded “College Football Brasil,” will be held at the Nilton Santos Stadium – known locally as Engenhão – a 44,661-seat venue home to brazilian Serie A club Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas.
The decision to host the game in Rio was driven by the city’s established reputation for hosting major international events, including the 2016 Summer Olympics and the FIFA World Cup. The stadium’s quality and the city’s proven ability to manage large-scale events safely were also key factors. ESPN will televise the game, with additional streaming options currently under consideration.
“We’re excited about the chance to play a game in a beautiful, world-renowned city like Rio de Janeiro and to bring American football to another continent,” said NC State Athletic Director Boo Corrigan.
The event’s branding intentionally utilizes the Portuguese spelling of “Brasil” to emphasize a spirit of cultural exchange. ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips hailed the game as “an extraordinary moment for the ACC and for college football,” highlighting the league’s vision and collaborative spirit.
Virginia will be designated as the home team for the contest,and the game will count towards the ACC conference standings. UVA Athletic Director Carla Williams expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “This is a great opportunity for the University of Virginia and our football program…this event allows us to expand our international presence.”
The game is organized by Athlete Advantage in partnership with Brazil Sports Business and has the full support of Rio’s government partners. It follows the NFL’s recent expansion into Brazil, with plans to hold at least three NFL games in the country over the next five years, including a game in rio in 2026.
