U-M in Ongoing Discussions to Kick Off 2026 Season in Germany towards Western Michigan

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The University of Michigan Football program is engaged in ongoing discussions to kick off the 2026 season on overseas soil, enjoying host to Western Michigan at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, on Saturday, Aug. 29. This non-conference matchup would grow to be the primary recreation performed by the Wolverines exterior of North America.

Also referred to as Waldstadion, Deutsche Bank Park is the house subject for Eintracht Frankfurt of the Bundesliga, which is the highest tier of the German soccer (soccer) league. The retractable roof stadium has a capability of 55,000 seats and was opened in 1925. Germany has hosted 5 earlier NFL video games within the nation, with Deutsche Bank Park internet hosting two regular-season video games in the course of the 2023 season: Kansas City Chiefs 21, Miami Dolphins 14 (Nov. 5) and Indianapolis Colts 10, New England Patriots 6 (Nov. 12).

“We are in advanced discussions to create this first-of-its-kind opportunity for our student-athletes and fans,” stated Warde Manuel, the Donald R. Shepherd Director of Athletics. “The University of Michigan is one of the few worldwide brands in college athletics and the interest in playing an international game would be unique. This would be a great opportunity to teach ‘Go Blue’ to a new group of fans in Germany.”

“I am excited about the football and educational experience this game could provide for our players,” stated Sherrone Moore, U-M’s J. Ira and Nicki Harris Family Head Football Coach. “We are always looking for unique opportunities to expose our student-athletes to other cultures. In the last 10 years, our program has been to Italy, France and South Africa, and this game would provide another chance to grow our international fanbase.”

The matchup with the Broncos was initially scheduled to be performed at Michigan Stadium on Sept. 5. This would grow to be the primary time that Michigan has performed a Mid-American Conference college at a location aside from Michigan Stadium.

More particulars can be forthcoming concerning the date and site of Michigan’s 2026 opener.