WEMBLEY STADIUM TO HOST HISTORIC AMERICAN COLLEGE FOOTBALL GAME IN THE UK ON 19 SEPTEMBER 2026
The Arizona State University Sun Devils take on The University of Kansas Jayhawks in a Big 12 Conference matchup at the inaugural Union Jack Classic in London
It has been announced that college football is coming to London in 2026 as the University of Kansas Jayhawks host the Arizona State University Sun Devils in the Union Jack Classic.
The two colleges compete in the NCAA Division 1, as members of the Big 12 Conference, one of the most competitive college football conferences in the United States. The game will be held at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, 19 September 2026, falling in Week 3 of the 2026 college football season.
Tickets will go on presale beginning on Monday, Oct. 6 with general sales on Thursday, Oct. 9 and available through KUAthletics.com, SunDevils.com, and UnionJackClassic.com.
College football is a level of American Football played by colleges across the United States, and the Big 12 Conference features some of the best American Football players in the country, with 31 players being drafted from Big 12 Conference to the NFL in 2025.
The Arizona State Sun Devils football team represents Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona, while The University of Kansas Jayhawks football team represents the University of Kansas in Lawrence, just outside of Kansas City. Both teams are renowned for their athletic traditions and passionate fanbases, which will bring the excitement of college football to London for this historic international game.
The Union Jack Classic is more than just a college football game, it will introduce the electric atmosphere of college football to British fans through sport, culture and unforgettable experiences. The event will allow fans in the U.K. to experience the passion, pageantry and fanfare that every student and alumni experience week-in-week-out in the U.S.
Wembley has a long-standing tradition with American Football, having hosted the first ever international NFL game in 2007, and will now have the honour of showcasing the first Union Jack Classic.
Brett Yormark, Big 12 Commissioner, said: “I’m thrilled that Big 12 football will be heading to London for the first-ever college football game at Wembley Stadium. I’ve often said my goal is for the Big 12 to be the most globally relevant conference in college athletics. Expanding our international presence will elevate our brand, create new opportunities for student-athletes, and open the door to meaningful commercial growth for the league.”
College football boasts some of the most tribal fans in American sports, and the U.K. can expect a truly immersive experience, with authentic American-style tailgating and vibrant pep rallies setting the stage before kickoff. During halftime, Wembley Stadium will also host a show designed to capture the energy and spectacle of Saturday gamedays in the United States including cheerleaders and marching bands.
Brian Dubiski, Chairman and CEO of Union Jack Classic, commented: “We are proud to make history by bringing American College Football to London on a global stage. Hosting two elite Big 12 programs at Wembley Stadium positions this matchup as the premier international showcase for our sport, and we look forward to delivering an unforgettable experience for fans and partners worldwide.”
Kansas Director of Athletics, Travis Goff said: “This is the perfect moment in time for Kansas Football to blaze an uncharted trail to historic Wembley Stadium in London. This opportunity is reflective of the growth and trajectory of our football program and the entire University, and will provide our fans and student-athletes an unprecedented experience. We’re excited that our season ticket holders and students will still have six opportunities to watch a game at The Booth next season as that project is being completed, while also having the chance to see the Jayhawks play international for the first time ever. Our commitment is to provide a first-class, generational experience for our program and supporters, while showcasing Jayhawk Football and the University of Kansas on a global stage.”
Arizona State Athletics Director, Graham Rossini said: “The Big 12 is leading the charge to take college football global, and we’re proud to be part of it. College sports are about providing our student-athletes with life-changing experiences, and playing in the Union Jack Classic at Wembley Stadium will be an incredible one. With nearly 18,000 international students from 160 countries, ASU already thrives on a global stage, and we can’t wait to showcase Sun Devil Football and Arizona State University to fans across Europe.”