1. FC Köln season opening events

In late July 2026, 1. FC Köln announced a pre‑season test match against Real Sociedad and a tradition‑based "Torkonto" promotion that would see 3,330 liters of Gaffel Kölsch handed out to fans—one litre for each of the 30 home goals scored in the previous Bundesliga season. The club highlighted waste‑reduction measures as part of the celebration.

On 1 August 2026 the team opened the 2026/27 season at the RheinEnergieSTADION. Free entry and a family‑friendly programme attracted roughly 40,000 supporters. Fans enjoyed autograph sessions with players from both the men’s and women’s squads, live music, and the club anthem. The event showcased new signing Gideon Mensah and marked head coach René Wagner’s first public appearance since his March appointment.

Later that day Köln staged a large fan festival on the Vorwiesen, again drawing about 40,000 attendees. The free‑entry celebration featured a fan village, live music, autograph stations, the presentation of new kits and the streaming of the Real Sociedad friendly on MagentaSport and MagentaTV. Transfer activity intensified: the club set a €50 million price tag for forward Said El Mala, a sum Dortmund is said to reject, and submitted a loan offer for Tottenham youngster Mikey Moore. In the youth ranks, 21‑year‑old Malek El Mala remains under contract until 2030 but must prove himself in the Regionalliga before earning a senior role.