News Summary

The University of Michigan and Western Michigan University will kick off the 2026 college football season with a groundbreaking game in Frankfurt, Germany. Scheduled for August 29, this event marks the first international college football game for both universities and highlights a growing trend of global matchups in the sport. With Western Michigan being the first Mid-American Conference team to play internationally, this game is poised to be a significant milestone for college football, attracting attention from fans and media alike.

Frankfurt, Germany – The University of Michigan and Western Michigan University will kick off the 2026 college football season on Saturday, August 29, at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, Germany. This historic matchup marks the first international game in Michigan’s 145-year football program history and the first instance of two Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) programs competing in Germany.

The game is poised to take place at Deutsche Bank Park, a 55,000-seat stadium that has played host to five NFL games. It promises to be a significant event for both schools as Western Michigan becomes the inaugural Mid-American Conference (MAC) team to participate in an international regular-season game. The initial plan was for the game to be held at Michigan Stadium on September 5, 2026, but it has since been relocated to Frankfurt.

This matchup will not only be the 29th meeting between Michigan and MAC opponents but will also be noteworthy as it will be the first contest not held at Michigan Stadium. Historically, Michigan has prevailed in all eight encounters with Western Michigan, with the latest game taking place in 2021.

The decision to host the game in Germany is part of a broader trend where college football is increasingly looking to international venues. Coincidentally, on the same day, TCU and North Carolina are scheduled to play in Dublin, reinforcing the popularity of global matchups in the sport.

Deutsche Bank Park, also known as Waldstadion, is home to Eintracht Frankfurt, a major soccer club in Germany’s Bundesliga. The stadium, opened in 1925, has seen a resurgence in international sporting events recently, including two NFL games in 2023.

Michigan’s Athletic Director emphasized the university’s commitment to extending its global brand by engaging with new fans in different countries. The opportunity to teach German audiences about the iconic “Go Blue” chant is viewed as an exciting prospect. The aim is not only to showcase the football program but also to expose student-athletes to diverse cultures. Over the last decade, the Wolverines have seized similar opportunities, with trips to Italy, France, and South Africa for cultural exchanges and athletic experiences.

Western Michigan’s athletic director underscored the unique experience and prestige of participating in the first college football game ever held in Germany. It signifies a milestone for the program and presents an opportunity for Western Michigan to gain international recognition.

The interest in international college football games reflects the changing dynamics of the sport and the increasing globalization of athletics. Both universities view participation in such events as a step toward broadening their reach and influence beyond North America, potentially attracting more international students and fans to their athletic programs.

As the date approaches, anticipation builds among players, coaches, and fans alike as they prepare for what will be a landmark occasion in college football history. The success of the game could lead to more international matchups, further contributing to the sport’s growing presence on the world stage.