WMU Engaged in Ongoing Discussions to Kick off 2026 Season Against Michigan in Frankfurt, Germany

Football
July 25, 2025

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Michigan soccer crew is in ongoing discussions with the University of Michigan to open the 2026 season towards the Wolverines at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, on Saturday, Aug. 29. The recreation would mark the second worldwide recreation in WMU’s historical past and the primary outdoors of North America.
 
“It’s exciting to be in these advance discussions that present an historic moment not only for our football program, but for Western Michigan University as our national brand continues to grow,” mentioned Vice President and Director of Athletics Dan Bartholomae. “The opportunity to be a part of the first college football game played in Germany presents an experience for our program that is unmatched at any level of college football, and puts the University on an international stage. We can’t wait for the world to see all of the great academic, community, and athletic accomplishments happening at Western Michigan university.”
 
Deutsche Bank Park is residence to Eintracht Frankfurt, a soccer crew in Germany’s highest tier skilled league the Budensliga. The stadium, which seats 55,000, beforehand hosted two National Football League video games through the 2023 common season, with the Kansas City Chiefs defeating the Miami Dolphins 21-14 on Nov. 5 and the Indianapolis Colts topping the New England Patriots 10-6 on Nov. 12.
 
“This is an incredible opportunity for our football program, our student-athletes, and the entire Western Michigan University community,” mentioned Head Football Coach Lance Taylor. “To potentially open the 2026 season on an international stage against one of the most storied programs in college football is both an honor and an exciting challenge we would embrace wholeheartedly. An international game offers our players not only a unique competitive experience, but also an invaluable educational one. Traveling to Germany and representing Western Michigan University abroad will give our student-athletes cultural exposure and memories they’ll carry long beyond their playing days. It’s the kind of life experience that perfectly reflects the spirit and values of college athletics.”
 
Western Michigan was initially slated to open the 2026 season at Michigan on Sept. 5. WMU’s first worldwide soccer recreation was the 2007 International towards Cincinnati on the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Canada.
 
More particulars might be forthcoming relating to the date and placement of Michigan’s 2026 opener.