“ ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The University of Michigan Athletic Department announced Wednesday (Nov. 5) that the 2026 opener against Western Michigan will be played at Michigan Stadium on Sept. 5, 2026. The Wolverines explored playing an international game in Frankfurt, Germany, on Aug. 29, but decided to keep the game in Ann Arbor.
“We did a thorough and exhaustive evaluation in relation to playing an international game,” said Warde Manuel, the Donald R. Shepherd Director of Athletics. “Based on the analysis of all the factors, we felt it was best to keep the game in Ann Arbor as it was originally scheduled for the 2026 season. I want to thank Eintracht Frankfurt and their Stadium Management company for all the work that they did in partnership with our staff to try to make this game a possibility.”
The athletic department was engaged in discussions to host Western Michigan at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany. Also known as Waldstadion, Deutsche Bank Park is the home field of Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga, the top tier of German football (soccer).
“We have fans and alumni around the globe, and many have expressed excitement about attending a game on foreign soil. We remain open to exploring the right opportunities for our teams to play internationally,” added Manuel.“
