VfB Stuttgart hosts 1. FC Köln on Friday night, September 4, 2026, for the second matchday of the 2026/27 Bundesliga season. The match kicks off at 20:30 and is covered by a live ticker from Sportschau.
Sebastian Hoeneß's team is aiming to secure its first points after a disappointing start to the campaign. Following an opening day defeat, VfB Stuttgart sits in 18th place with zero points. A win against Cologne would send an important signal for the rest of the season. The current standings show the gap to the league leaders is already three points.
The Swabians began the new season with a 1-5 loss. This means they have scored one goal and conceded five so far, resulting in a negative goal difference of minus four. The team is now searching for stability, especially in defence. The next opportunity to correct course comes with the away match at TSG 1899 Hoffenheim on September 12. Fans can find the full schedule on our fixtures page.
The squad situation is strained. Six players are currently injured and unavailable for the match against Cologne. The list of absentees includes Dan Zagadou, Dennis Seimen, Jeremy Arevalo, Lorenz Assignon, Luca Jaquez, and Tiago Tomás. The latest injuries report tracks their status.
A victory in front of their home fans would be a major boost for the squad's morale. Cologne arrives as an opponent against whom Stuttgart has often performed well in the past. A win would relieve pressure before the next away game and could kickstart a positive run. The players know that every missed opportunity worsens their league position.
Regardless of the result against Cologne, the next challenge is already waiting. On Saturday, September 12, VfB Stuttgart travels to face TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. Hoffenheim occupies 12th place ahead of this matchday. This duel will be another test of the Swabians' form curve. Preparation for it begins immediately after the final whistle against 1. FC Köln.
The squad will complete initial recovery sessions on Saturday morning before tactical work for Hoffenheim commences. Coach Hoeneß and his staff must monitor the injury list and integrate any potential returnees. The match in Sinsheim is scheduled for 15:30.
