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Union Jack Classic

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Union Jack Classic
StatusActive
GenreCollege football
FrequencyAnnual
VenueWembley Stadium
LocationsLondon, England, United Kingdom
Years active2026–present
InauguratedSeptember 19, 2026 (2026-09-19)

The Union Jack Classic is a series of neutral-site American football games featuring NCAA Division I FBS programs, played annually in London, England. The inaugural game took place on 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

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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 was 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

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Date Winning team Score Losing team Venue City Attendance
September 19, 2026 Arizona State
24–17
 Kansas Wembley Stadium London 46,523

See also

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References

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  1. ↑ "Reports: Kansas, Arizona State to play first FBS game at Wembley". Reuters. September 18, 2025. Retrieved September 28, 2025.
  2. 1 2 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.
  3. 1 2 "Wembley Stadium to host CFB game in 2026". Sports Business Journal. September 18, 2025. Retrieved September 28, 2025.
  4. 1 2 Thamel, Pete (September 18, 2025). "Sources: Kansas, Arizona State discussing '26 game in London". ESPN.com. Retrieved September 28, 2025.
  5. ↑ "Wembley Stadium set to host American college football matches". The Stadium Business. September 19, 2025. Retrieved September 28, 2025.
  6. ↑ "Spiders win, put on show in London". The Washington Post. Associated Press. October 16, 1988. Retrieved September 28, 2025.
  7. ↑ "Quarterback Austin Neuhoff ran for a 1-yard touchdown with 1:36 to play..." UPI. October 16, 1988. Retrieved September 28, 2025.
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