VfB Stuttgart kicks off preparation with a packed schedule

VfB Stuttgart begins its pre‑season on 16 July for the 2026/27 campaign with an intensive friendly lineup. Coach Robin Hoeneß and his staff have already arranged matches against TSG Balingen, FSV Hollenbach, Kickers Offenbach, Paris FC and FC Everton. The aim: a sharpness boost before the first official fixture against FC Bayern Munich on 28 August.

What challenges await the Swabians in the DFB Cup?

On 21 August VfB Stuttgart faces Hansa Rostock in the DFB Cup, a third‑division side that has caused upsets before. Between 2018 and 2020 Stuttgart won twice 1‑0, but lost 0‑2 under coach Tayfun Korkut. The clash at the Ostseestadion promises a tight duel, recalling earlier cup battles.

How does the Champions League qualification look?

Six days after the cup match, the Champions League group‑stage draw takes place. The first matchday runs from 8 to 10 September. VfB Stuttgart will meet FC Bayern Munich on 28 August as part of the season opener – an away game against the record champion, regarded as the toughest German league test. A win could lift confidence for upcoming Bundesliga duels.

What does the current league position mean for Stuttgart?

At the moment VfB Stuttgart sits 4th in the Bundesliga with 62 points from 34 games (18 wins, 8 draws, 8 losses) and a recent form of DWDDL. The tally of 71 goals scored and 49 conceded (+22 goal difference) shows strong attacking potential, while the team trails 27 points behind Bayern Munich. The last result was a 0‑3 loss to Bayern on 23 May 2026, highlighting the need for a quick bounce‑back.

Which players are returning from the World Cup?

After Germany’s early exit from the World Cup, Deniz Undav, Angelo Stiller and Jamie Leweling are already back in training. Ermedin Demirović (Bosnia‑Herzegovina) and Jeremy Arévalo (Ecuador) have also returned, while Bilal El Khannouss (Morocco) and Luca Jaquez (Switzerland) remain at the tournament. Their return gives Hoeneß extra options for the upcoming fixtures.

What’s next on the agenda?

Following the Bayern opener, the first home game arrives the first weekend of September against 1. FC Köln. It is then followed by further top‑level clashes, including matches with TSG Hoffenheim and Borussia Dortmund. The coming weeks promise a demanding schedule that prepares the Swabians for a push toward the upper league spots.