RALEIGH, N.C. — NC State and Virginia will open the 2026 college football season with a first-of-its-kind matchup in South America, playing in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, Aug. 29, according to CBS Sports.

The game, branded “College Football Brasil,” will mark the first FBS contest ever played on the continent and will serve as the ACC opener for both programs.

The international game will be held at Nilton Santos Stadium, also known as Engenhão, a 44,661-seat venue that previously hosted events during the 2016 Summer Olympics and Copa America. Virginia will serve as the designated home team.

“To have NC State and Virginia open our conference schedule on an international stage in Rio de Janeiro speaks to the vision, innovation and collaboration of our league,” ACC commissioner

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