Michigan Football Eyes Germany Game to Open 2026

The University of Michigan football program could be heading to Germany to kick off the 2026 season.

The Wolverines would potentially play Western Michigan at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, Germany, on August 29, which would be the first game played by Michigan football outside of North America. The matchup with the Broncos was scheduled to be played at Michigan Stadium on September 5, 2026.

“We are in advanced discussions to create this first-of-its-kind opportunity for our student-athletes and fans,” said Warde Manuel, Michigan 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.”

Deutsche Bank Park is home for Eintracht Frankfurt of the Bundesliga. The retractable roof stadium has a capacity of 55,000 seats and was opened in 1925. Deutsche Bank Park hosted NFL two regular0season games during the 2023 season which saw the Kansas City Chiefs defeat the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts topple the New England Patriots.

“I am excited about the football and educational experience this game could provide for our players,” said Sherrone Moore, Michigan 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 potential Germany game would also be the first time that Michigan has played a Mid-American Conference school at a location other than Michigan Stadium.