Michigan announces Germany game vs. Western Michigan will be held in Ann Arbor

Michigan football will be staying stateside for its 2026 season opener after plans to play in Germany officially fell through. The Wolverines announced Tuesday that their game against Western Michigan, originally targeted to be played in Frankfurt, will now take place at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on September 5, 2026.

The matchup had been considered a potential landmark international event for college football. However, the decision was made to keep the contest at home: “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 school said in a press release.

“The Wolverines explored playing an international game in Frankfurt, Germany, on Aug. 29, but decided to keep the game in Ann Arbor.”

Athletic director Warde Manuel explained that the decision came after months of exploration and coordination with multiple international partners: “We did a thorough and exhaustive evaluation in relation to playing an international game,” Manuel said. “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 had been in discussions to host the matchup at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, also known as Waldstadion. The stadium, home to Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt, was viewed by many as a fascinating site for a college football showcase in Europe, following the success of other NCAA and NFL international events. Despite enthusiasm from both Michigan and Western Michigan, the game will be kept domestic.

Manuel emphasized that Michigan remains open to the idea of international competition in the future. “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.”

While the Wolverines won’t be making the trip abroad in 2026, the announcement reaffirmed the program’s interest in expanding its global reach. The Big House will once again serve as the backdrop for the start of a new season, but it seems Michigan certainly has worldwide goals moving forward.