Arizona State vs Kansas at Wembley: The First College Football Game in London's Iconic Stadium

FOR THE FIRST TIME in college football history, a game will be played at Wembley Stadium in London. Arizona State and Kansas meet Saturday, September 19, in the inaugural Union Jack Classic — a Big 12 matchup that marks the first time college football has crossed the Atlantic for a regular-season game. The event is a landmark moment for the sport's international expansion and the first of what is planned to be a three-year presence at Wembley.

The Inaugural Union Jack Classic

The Union Jack Classic is not a one-off experiment. The Big 12 Conference announced plans in March 2026 to play college football games at Wembley Stadium over the next three years, and the 2026 season features two European games on the conference's slate. The inaugural edition is a Big 12 intramural — Arizona State versus Kansas — but the format is expected to evolve, with the possibility of Big 12 vs. other conference matchups in future years.

The game's broadcast is equally historic. FOX Sports' Big Noon Kickoff pre-game show will air live from Wembley Stadium for the first time — a logistical feat that underscores the scale of the event. The game itself is broadcast on FOX Sports, with the network dedicating full production resources to the London venue.

Arizona State's International Showcase

Arizona State's Athletic Director has been explicit about the trip's purpose. In a statement captured by The New York Times, the AD described the game as an opportunity to "showcase" the university internationally — a strategic decision that goes beyond football and touches on the broader mission of building a global brand.

The ASU side of the game sold out tickets, suggesting significant international interest in the event. Adidas was named the official sponsor of the Union Jack Classic in August 2026, and the game partnered with "Tickets for Good" to open up access to the historic Wembley college football game through a charitable ticket initiative.

Kansas' Cultural Experience

Kansas coach Lance Leipold framed the trip as a "cultural" learning experience for his players and called it an "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity." The Jayhawks' offensive coordinator reportedly channeled the movie "Miracle" — the David Backus film about the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team — in his pre-game preparation, using the narrative of an underdog winning on an international stage as inspiration.

Kansas and Arizona State chose different travel plans to London, with Kansas reportedly getting extra practice time — a detail that drew a comment from the Arizona State coach about an "unwritten rule." The logistics of international travel are a real factor in how the game plays out, and both programs have had to adapt their preparation to account for time zone differences, travel fatigue, and the unique environment of Wembley.

The Big 12's Global Ambitions

The Wembley game is part of a broader Big 12 strategy to expand the conference's global footprint. The conference announced the three-year Wembley deal as part of its efforts to position itself as a leader in international college football. The 2026 season features two European games on the Big 12 slate, including this one and another, and the conference has also announced a Notre Dame-BYU tilt as part of its scheduling mix.

The conference's commitment to international play signals a long-term vision: college football is not just an American sport, and the Big 12 is willing to be the first conference to bet on that idea. The Wembley game is the proof of concept — a regular-season game, played in a world-famous venue, broadcast on a major network, with full production values and a historic broadcast booth.

College Football in London: The History

Prior to this game, there had been no college football games at Wembley Stadium. The venue has hosted soccer (football), rugby, and major music concerts, but American college football had never crossed its threshold. The inaugural Union Jack Classic changes that history permanently.

The broader context of college football in Europe includes a handful of exhibition games and a small number of conference matches played abroad — but none in a venue of Wembley's stature, and none with the production value of this event.

What This Means for CFB 27

For CFB 27 players, the Wembley game is a reminder of the growing global reach of college football. The game's inclusion in the Big 12 schedule means it will be reflected in the game's database, and Arizona State and Kansas will have the London venue as a real-world data point. Dynasty players who are running their own schedules should be aware that international games are becoming a regular part of the college football calendar.

The Union Jack Classic also has implications for the game's content roadmap. As college football's international presence grows, the game may incorporate international venues and events in future updates. The Wembley game is a signpost for where the real-world sport is heading — and the game's content team will likely follow.

For players who enjoy the Road to Glory mode, the London game offers a narrative opportunity: building a team that can compete on an international stage is a compelling storyline that transcends the traditional college football experience.

How to Watch

The Arizona State vs. Kansas Union Jack Classic is broadcast on FOX Sports on Saturday, September 19. Big Noon Kickoff airs live from Wembley Stadium in advance of the game — a first for the pre-game show. The game is also available for streaming through FOX Sports' digital platforms.