Wembley hosted its inaugural American college football Union Jack Classic, featuring Kansas vs Arizona State before 46,523 fans, sparking vibrant fan culture and plans for future UK games.
Wembley Stadium staged its first American college football game, the Union Jack Classic, on 20 September 2026. The Kansas Jayhawks faced the Arizona State Sun Devils in front of 46,523 spectators. Pre‑game festivities began early, with a main tailgate opening at 10 a.m., Kansas‑city rapper Tech N9ne entertaining the crowd, and both schools fielding marching bands, cheerleaders, and an outdoor Fox Sports studio on Wembley Way. Fans described the atmosphere as highly passionate. Kansas supporter Hannah said college fans feel a “loyalty to your lineage” and called them “rabid”. About 15,000 US fans travelled for the game—roughly 9,000 for ASU and 6,000 for Kansas—and supporters from 35 other countries purchased tickets, many wearing neutral NFL or other college jerseys. Organisers targeted British university players, partnering with the British American Football Association, British Universities and Colleges Sport and the Jacksonville Jaguars. The event helped train more than 1,050 British coaches and referees, some of whom were present at the match, and sparked interest among UK university athletes. Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark said the event “exceeded my expectations” and noted an exclusive multi‑year deal with Wembley, with other Big 12 schools expressing interest. He indicated an announcement about the next London game is expected “within the next month or two”, though the exact timing remains uncertain.