Michigan Wolverines to Host Western Michigan Instead of Germany

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The University of Michigan Athletic Department announced on Nov. 5 that the Wolverines will open their 2026 football season against Western Michigan at Michigan Stadium on Sept. 5, 2026. This decision follows earlier discussions about moving the game to Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, Germany.

The proposed shift to Germany faced backlash from fans who did not support relocating the game from its traditional home in Ann Arbor. Athletic Director Warde Manuel explained the decision, saying, “We did a thorough and exhaustive evaluation in relation to playing an international game. 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.”

Eintracht Frankfurt, a professional soccer club in Germany’s Bundesliga, was part of negotiations to host the college football matchup. The initial plan to play in Germany was unveiled in conjunction with the NCAA’s decision related to the Connor Stalions scouting investigation.

Despite choosing to remain stateside for this matchup, Manuel did not dismiss the possibility of future international games. “We have fans and alumni around the globe, and many have expressed excitement about attending a game on foreign soil,” he said. “We remain open to exploring the right opportunities for our teams to play internationally.”

With the season opener confirmed to take place in Ann Arbor, the Wolverines are set to play eight home games in 2026, providing fans more opportunities to support the team at Michigan Stadium. This move highlights the importance of fan engagement for the athletic department.

Manuel concluded, “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.”