The desert is getting hot again thanks to the College Football Playoff! Fans are eagerly awaiting the return of high-stakes postseason action to Arizona in 2026, when the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl will host another CFP Semifinal.
Everything you need to know about the matchups, the big game, and what to expect from this incredible college football event is right here.
Fiesta Bowl Brings High-Stakes College Football Playoff Semifinal Back to Arizona
The Vrbo Fiesta Bowl will again be in the national spotlight on Jan. 8, 2026, when it hosts a College Football Playoff Semifinal.
Set in Glendale, Arizona’s renowned State Farm Stadium, this game will surely deliver the drama, thrills, and memorable moments that fans have grown accustomed to.
The game will be broadcast nationwide on ESPN, and kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. MST (7:30 p.m. ET).
The semifinal champion will be able to compete in the 2026 CFP National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, so every second of this game is vital.
This is just another significant event for the Fiesta Bowl, which has produced many memorable postseason masterpieces over the years.
A History of Thrilling Fiesta Bowl Moments
College football games at the Fiesta Bowl are known to be must-watch.
Fans still talk about the 2007 moment when Boise State stunned Oklahoma with a trick-play miracle. More recently, TCU stunned Michigan 51-45 in a game with spectacular plays and moments that left many in awe during the 2022 semifinal.
Whenever the Fiesta Bowl features a playoff game, the unexpected can be expected, and 2026 shouldn’t be any different.
The Fiesta Bowl is more important than ever because the College Football Playoff will have 12 teams for the 2025-26 season. Due to the new structure, more top teams can now qualify for the playoffs, and surprising events are even more likely to occur in the run-up to the semifinals.
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Instead of the traditional four-team system, the top four seeds get a bye, while seeds 5 through 12 battle it out earlier. By the time they get to Glendale, teams will have demonstrated their ability to perform well under duress, paving the way for a semifinal that might as well be a national championship match.
Fans can anticipate an incredible level of intensity.
The Fiesta Bowl experience includes a wide range of events outside the game. While Fan Fest offers games, music, and food, the VRbo Fiesta Bowl Parade is a family favorite. Fans seeking a VIP experience are catered to at events such as Club ’71.
The Fiesta Bowl is also about giving back, not just football. The game is a real win-win for the community because Fiesta Bowl Charities donates millions of dollars yearly to nonprofit causes, youth sports, and education throughout Arizona.
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