Michigan, Western Michigan in talks to open 2026 football season in Germany
The Wolverines would host the Broncos at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026.
It would mark the first non-conference game Michigan has played outside of North America and the first time the Wolverines have played a Mid-American Conference school away from Michigan Stadium.
"We are in advanced discussions to create this first-of-its-kind opportunity for our student-athletes and fans," said Warde Manuel, the Donald R. Shepherd 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 to Eintracht Frankfurt of the Bundesliga, which is the top level of professional soccer in Germany. The retractable roof stadium features 55,000 seats and has hosted two NFL regular season games.
"I am excited about the football and educational experience this game could provide for our players," said Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore. "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 European date would be the first game for the Broncos outside of North America and their second international contest. WMU's first international game was the 2007 International Bowl against Cincinnati at Rogers Centre in Toronto.
"This is an incredible opportunity for our football program, our student-athletes, and the entire Western Michigan University community," said WMU head coach Lance Taylor in a statement. "To potentially open the 2026 season on an international stage against one of the most storied programs in college football is both an honor and an exciting challenge we would embrace wholeheartedly. An international game offers our players not only a unique competitive experience, but also an invaluable educational one. Traveling to Germany and representing Western Michigan University abroad will give our student-athletes cultural exposure and memories they'll carry long beyond their playing days. It's the kind of life experience that perfectly reflects the spirit and values of college athletics."
The game was originally scheduled to be played at Michigan Stadium on Sept. 5.
Michigan will release the date and location of he 2026 opener soon.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
9 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Titans coach Brian Callahan calls out his offense after sloppy practice
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Titans and rookie quarterback Cam Ward turned in a sluggish performance Sunday, earning a profanity-laced tirade from head coach Brian Callahan as the session concluded. The No. 1 overall pick followed two solid practices with a rough showing Sunday in team drills. Ward completed just 4 of 13 passes in team drills and was off the mark on several throws. The Titans also had penalties and a play that would have been a sack as the defense pressured the young quarterback. Ward's final rep of the day was a pass that sailed far over the head of receiver Van Jefferson and out of bounds. That's when Callahan unleashed on the offense. The second-year Titans coach spoke before practice. After practice, Callahan stood near midfield talking with Ward, offensive coordinator Nick Holz and quarterbacks coach Bo Hardegree for about 20 minutes. Tennessee opens preseason play Saturday night at Tampa Bay with a joint practice on Thursday. Before practice, Callahan said some self-inflicted mistakes Saturday had him concerned because of the emphasis he has put on correcting those all offseason. 'The progress obviously isn't always going to be linear, we're going to have ups and downs,' Callahan said before practice. The Titans have NFL officials on hand to make clear when players commit penalties. Callahan said that's great to have that experience. The Titans called Callahan's outburst warranted because of a lack of focus and intensity on offense. 'He's not really an outburst-type of coach for the most part," left guard Peter Skoronski said. 'So I think so I think the practice kind of warranted it. It just felt kind of low and juice-less from an offensive end and lacking execution.' Skoronski said Sunday's session was disappointing and he could feel the frustration before Callahan went off. 'When he started yelling, I said, 'Oh there it is,'' Skoronski said. "We just didn't move the ball the way we needed to. I think it was warranted. We shouldn't need that to bring out the intensity. We shouldn't need the head coach to be like that. It should be player driven. We've got to be better and more on that.' ___ AP NFL:
Yahoo
9 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Gondomar SC Honour Diogo Jota and Andre Silva with 2025/26 Tribute Kit
Gondomar Launch 2025/26 Kit in Memory of Jota and Silva Gondomar Lead with Heartfelt Tribute to Local Heroes The scars left by the tragic deaths of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva are still raw. Two brothers, both from Gondomar in the eastern part of Porto, who brought joy on and off the pitch, were taken far too soon in a car crash on July 3rd. The footballing world mourns, still struggling to process the scale of this loss. But in the quiet resolve of the club where it all began, a beautiful tribute has emerged. Gondomar SC, where both Jota and Silva took their first footballing steps, have unveiled their 2025/26 kits with a poignant gesture that reflects the brothers' lasting legacy. The shirts feature images of the two players and their names stitched near the collar with an infinity symbol, an everlasting mark of remembrance. 'This tribute stems from the deep sense of loss felt by the club and the entire Gondomar community,' the club wrote on social media. 'Diogo Jota, who always maintained an emotional connection to our country and our club, and Andre Silva, who shared the same dream and passion for football, continue to inspire generations of young athletes growing up on our pitches.' Legacy Cemented by Symbolism and Memory The tribute extends far beyond simple symbolism. Gondomar SC's decision to include both brothers' images on every official kit worn in the 2025/26 season ensures their presence will be felt in every game played by the club. It is a tribute not for one match or one day, but a lasting honour across a season, and a lifetime. For Diogo Jota, whose Liverpool career lit up Anfield with moments of brilliance, Gondomar always remained close to his heart. In 2022, the club named its academy after him, a nod to his contribution not only as a footballer but as a person who never forgot his roots. Photo IMAGO Liverpool's Tribute Reflects Club and Community Values Liverpool, too, have played their part in remembering Jota. His shirt number remains part of the official 2025/26 squad list, allowing supporters to continue wearing his name on their backs, a simple but meaningful act of remembrance from a club that understands its responsibility in difficult times. The Reds' opening pre-season match against Preston North End was played under a heavy cloud. The occasion was less about tactics or results and more about unity, shared loss and paying tribute to a teammate and friend whose absence will be deeply felt throughout the season. Inspiration Through Tragedy There are times in football when rivalry, scorelines and statistics fall away. What remains are people. Human stories. The tale of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva is one of promise, brotherhood and passion, but now also of immense sorrow. Yet their story does not end with their passing. Gondomar SC's kits, Liverpool's tribute and the worldwide outpouring of support ensure that both names will echo through dressing rooms, academies and terraces for years to come. For a generation of young players in Gondomar and beyond, these shirts will represent more than identity. They symbolise love for the game, commitment to a dream, and the importance of community. 'Diogo and Andre continue to inspire,' the Gondomar statement reads. And that they surely will.
Associated Press
12 minutes ago
- Associated Press
Titans coach Brian Callahan calls out his offense after sloppy practice
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Titans and rookie quarterback Cam Ward turned in a sluggish performance Sunday, earning a profanity-laced tirade from head coach Brian Callahan as the session concluded. The No. 1 overall pick followed two solid practices with a rough showing Sunday in team drills. Ward completed just 4 of 13 passes in team drills and was off the mark on several throws. The Titans also had penalties and a play that would have been a sack as the defense pressured the young quarterback. Ward's final rep of the day was a pass that sailed far over the head of receiver Van Jefferson and out of bounds. That's when Callahan unleashed on the offense. The second-year Titans coach spoke before practice. After practice, Callahan stood near midfield talking with Ward, offensive coordinator Nick Holz and quarterbacks coach Bo Hardegree for about 20 minutes. Tennessee opens preseason play Saturday night at Tampa Bay with a joint practice on Thursday. Before practice, Callahan said some self-inflicted mistakes Saturday had him concerned because of the emphasis he has put on correcting those all offseason. 'The progress obviously isn't always going to be linear, we're going to have ups and downs,' Callahan said before practice. The Titans have NFL officials on hand to make clear when players commit penalties. Callahan said that's great to have that experience. The Titans called Callahan's outburst warranted because of a lack of focus and intensity on offense. 'He's not really an outburst-type of coach for the most part,' left guard Peter Skoronski said. 'So I think so I think the practice kind of warranted it. It just felt kind of low and juice-less from an offensive end and lacking execution.' Skoronski said Sunday's session was disappointing and he could feel the frustration before Callahan went off. 'When he started yelling, I said, 'Oh there it is,'' Skoronski said. 'We just didn't move the ball the way we needed to. I think it was warranted. We shouldn't need that to bring out the intensity. We shouldn't need the head coach to be like that. It should be player driven. We've got to be better and more on that.' ___ AP NFL:
