2. Bundesliga 2026/27 season kicks off with Bochum‑Hertha opener and new club coaches

The German 2. Bundesliga will begin its 2026/27 campaign on 7 August 2026. VfL Bochum host Hertha BSC Berlin in the opening match at the Ruhrstadion. Both clubs face questions over recent transfer activity, with Hertha entering the game after losing several key players and making only one loan signing.

Several clubs have announced new head coaches for the season. Oliver Kirch takes charge of DSC Arminia Bielefeld, Maximilian Senft becomes head coach of Karlsruher SC, and Tobias Strobl is appointed to lead VfL Wolfsburg’s 2. Liga side. The league also highlights long‑standing clubs such as St. Pauli, Heidenheim, Greuther Fürth and Osnabrück, noting their historical appearances, promotion ambitions and recent records.

The season will see 33 clubs compete, with promotion to the top‑flight Bundesliga remaining a primary goal for many, while clubs like Greuther Fürth and Osnabrück continue to build on their extensive experience in the second division.