The DFB has published the new Bundesliga calendar: Bayern against top opponents at the start of the season, Dortmund meets HSV - and district derbies in the first few weeks.
The new Bundesliga schedule for the 2026/27 season is here – and it comes with early highlights and district derbies. FC Bayern Munich starts with a top duel, while Borussia Dortmund meets Hamburger SV at the start of the season. Several district derbies are already planned for the first few weeks of the calendar, including the duel between Borussia Dortmund and FC Schalke 04.
FC Bayern Munich begins the new season on August 15, 2026 with a home game against reigning champions Bayer 04 Leverkusen. The game is considered one of the biggest hits of the match day and promises excitement right from the start. Borussia Dortmund also starts on the first matchday, but away to Hamburger SV.
The North Germans want to return straight to the 2nd Bundesliga after relegation and could hand BVB an early defeat. An early away game against a newly promoted team is a classic trap for Dortmund - the team from the Ruhr area has to be particularly concentrated here in order not to give away points. The first district derbies are already taking place in the third and fourth weeks of the season.
On August 29, 2026, Borussia Dortmund will face FC Schalke 04 at Signal Iduna Park. The second leg will follow just a week later, on September 5, 2026, in the Veltins Arena. Both games could set the course for the championship and relegation races early on.
The duels between Dortmund and Schalke are traditionally emotionally charged and often bring spectacular results. For Schalke, it's about getting promoted straight back after relegation to the 2nd Bundesliga - a win against Dortmund would be a psychological advantage. The early planning of the district derbies follows a conscious strategy of the DFB to strengthen the regional identity of the Bundesliga.
With duels like Dortmund against Schalke or Cologne against Düsseldorf, the rivalry between the clubs is specifically promoted, which increases the attractiveness of the league for fans and the media. At the same time, the early start of the season with top games is intended to draw attention to the Bundesliga and optimize marketing in the first few weeks. Fixing the games early also gives the clubs more time for test matches and preparation for the physical and tactical demands of the Bundesliga.
Another strategic aspect is economic planning. The early top games and district derbies ensure a high media presence and increase the advertising income of the clubs and the DFB. Smaller clubs in particular benefit from the increased attention, as they can increase their popularity through early duels against top teams.
Early season planning also allows clubs to tailor their squad situation to these games - an advantage that can be particularly crucial for promoted teams like HSV. “The schedule is based on early excitement and local duels that will immediately excite fans,” says a spokesman for the German Football Association (DFB). The scheduled Revierderbies and the start of Bayern create anticipation for the new season.
Smaller clubs also benefit from the early top games, as they benefit from the increased attention and can improve their economic situation through higher TV income and sponsorship contracts. What's next: The clubs now have time to finalize their preparations for the new season. The first test matches will take place in July, while the Bundesliga starts the new season on August 15, 2026.
Fans can look forward to an exciting season with early highlights and local duels. The early planning of the district derbies and top games could also lead to a longer media presence for the Bundesliga, which would strengthen the international appeal of the league in the long term. Read at Blick Sport
The new Bundesliga schedule for 2026/27 relies on early excitement and local duels. With a top duel for FC Bayern Munich and several district derbies in the first few weeks, the new season is turning into a season of spectacle. Fans can look forward to emotional games and early decisions in the championship and relegation races. Early planning also gives the clubs time to optimally prepare for the challenges. At the same time, the calendar strengthens the regional identity of the league and promotes rivalry between the clubs - a strategic move that is intended to make the Bundesliga more attractive economically and medially. Fixing the games early also ensures a longer media presence and increases the international appeal of the league.
Blick Sportblick.chBy Cédric HeebJul 2, 9:51 AMde-ch
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