2. Bundesliga 2025/26 guide: In-depth team previews ahead of the new season

With the 2. Bundesliga set to return this weekend, here’s a preview for every team in the league.

With the return of the Bundesliga still several weeks away, the spotlight for German football fans now shifts to the 2. Bundesliga, which kicks off its 2025/26 season this week.

The action begins on Friday night, as Schalke 04 and Hertha BSC face off in a mouth-watering clash to open Matchday 1. The rest of the fixtures will be played over the weekend, setting the stage for what promises to be another thrilling campaign.

Having been relegated from the top flight last season, VfL Bochum and Holstein Kiel will be eyeing an immediate return to the Bundesliga.

Meanwhile, newly-promoted sides Arminia Bielefeld and SG Dynamo Dresden will be eager to prove they belong at this level.

Below, you’ll find season previews for every team in the 2. Bundesliga.

Published previews

Hertha BSC: Crucial season awaits Die Alte Dame

VfL Bochum: Hecking hopes to repay full backing

FC Schalke 04: A fourth 2. Bundesliga campaign in five years for Royal Blues

Preußen Münster: Die Adler eager to maintain 2. Bundesliga status

DSC Arminia Bielefeld: Kniat keen to take Pokal spirit into 2. Bundesliga campaign

SG Dynamo Dresden: Daunting challenge awaits after three-year hiatus

SV Elversberg: Stability the priority for new-look Saarland club

Greuther Fürth: Stability the key to success

1. FC Nürnberg: Der Club aim to build on last season’s positives

Hannover 96: Can we expect Die Roten to rise under Titz?

Fortuna Düsseldorf: Fortuna expect different outcome in Thioune’s fifth season

Coming soon

1. FC Kaiserslautern

Karlsruher SC

1. FC Magdeburg

Eintracht Braunschweig

SC Paderborn 07

SV Darmstadt 98

Holstein Kiel