2. Bundesliga season kickoff: Dynamo, Hertha, Bochum and Wolfsburg gear up

Dynamo Dresden enters the 2. Bundesliga campaign as a secret favourite, targeting 42 points after retaining key loanees and adding experienced midfielder Nicolai Rapp. Coach Thomas Stamm stresses steady progress and hopes the opening match in Nürnberg will set the tone.

Hertha BSC begins the season with a drastically reduced squad following the sale of several top players. The club aims for a single‑digit finish and has appointed Josip Brekalo as captain, while focusing on financial stability and repaying an €18.8 million bond.

VfL Bochum hosts Hertha in the opening fixture. New captain Hauke Wahl leads a side that has overhauled its roster with ten new signings and a focus on long‑term contracts. Coach Uwe Rösler stresses the need for consistency and points accumulation, describing a promotion challenge as “overwhelming” if achieved.

VfL Wolfsburg starts the season with 18‑year‑old goalkeeper Jakub Zielinski after an injury to the regular starter. Hauke Wahl also captains the team, while the club integrates several new players and prepares for a competitive campaign.

Across the league, clubs emphasize squad renewal, financial prudence and realistic targets as they launch the 2026/27 2. Bundesliga season.