Historic matchup as Wheaton College takes on Portuguese All Star team

History will be made this Saturday, May 17, when the first-ever American college football team to play on Portuguese soil will take on a select team representing the Federação Portuguesa de Futebol Americano amateur league.

Wheaton College, a Division III team from Illinois, will not only travel to Portugal to provide opposition on the gridiron, but the Thunder will also hold coaching clinics to teach Portuguese youngsters the basics of how to block, tackle, and throw as the sport continues to develop in Portugal.

“It is with great pride and excitement that we welcome Wheaton College to Portugal for a truly historic and unprecedented event,” says FPFA President Pedro Esteves. “This moment marks a significant milestone in the history of our sport in Portugal and stands as a testament to the progress we’ve made in developing and growing American Football across the country.”

While on their cultural visit organized by Global Football, the Thunder will dive into service-work projects across Lisbon and nearby areas. Teaming up with local groups, players will refurbish a community center, hand out food to struggling families, and mentor kids through sports outreach. This mirrors Wheaton’s tradition of blending athletics with service on global trips, turning competition into a platform for kindness. For the team, it’s a chance to connect with locals through shared effort, leaving a mark deeper than any game score.

“The presence of Wheaton College is not only a celebration of athletic excellence but also a powerful catalyst for exposure, inspiration, and growth,” added Esteves. “It brings international attention to the passion, commitment, and talent that exists within our local teams and communities, while offering our athletes and coaches an invaluable chance to engage with a high-level American football program.

“More than just a game, this event represents a unique opportunity to bring together the entire American Football community in Portugal—players, fans, coaches, officials, and supporters from every corner of the country—to share in a moment of unity, pride, and sporting spirit. We believe this will be a defining moment that sparks new energy and enthusiasm for the sport and leaves a lasting legacy for future generations. We are honored to be part of this historic occasion and excited for what it means for the future of American Football in Portugal.”