The Bundesliga season kicks off with an intriguing clash between FC Augsburg and newly-promoted FC Schalke 04. Augsburg ended the last campaign poorly and have shown persistent defensive frailties in pre-season, failing to keep a single clean sheet in their recent outings. In con…
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Sign inFC Augsburg host FC Schalke 04 on Sunday in the opening match of the 2026-27 Bundesliga season. Schalke return to the top division after three seasons in the 2. Bundesliga, bringing a revamped squad under new coach Niko Kovac. Augsburg look to start strongly at home, but face a promoted side eager to make an immediate statement.
Schalke secured promotion last season to end their exile from the Bundesliga, reestablishing the Ruhr derby with Borussia Dortmund. The club underwent a significant squad overhaul over the summer, with Kovac tasked with building a competitive side. Several senior players departed: contracts for Timo Brand, Salih Özcan, and Niklas Süle expired, while Julien Duranville and Cole Campbell also moved on. Brazilian full-back Yan Couto joined Como on loan. More changes are expected before the transfer window closes on September 1.
Schalke have added raw talent to the spine of the team. Young centre-backs Joane Gadou, signed from Red Bull Salzburg, and Kaua Prates, recruited from Cruzeiro, are likely to feature. Ecuadorian midfielder Justin Lerma and Japanese teenager Takato Yamamoto provide additional midfield options. A deal for Cologne's teenage star Said El Mala collapsed over the club's demands, but Schalke remain active in the market.
Kovac's sides are typically well-organised and direct. At Dortmund's Supercup match (a 2-1 loss to Bayern), Fabio Silva impressed off the bench with pace and a goal, while Gadou showed defensive promise but struggled with distribution under pressure. Kovac demanded too much from his wing-backs in that system, a lesson he will have applied for the Augsburg test. Expect a compact shape with quick transitions.
Augsburg have established themselves as a solid lower-to-mid-table side. Last season they finished 11th, comfortably clear of relegation. Manager Enrico Maaßen has built a team that is hard to break down, though goals have occasionally been a problem. The hosts will look to exploit any Schalke defensive unfamiliarity, with set-pieces likely to be a key weapon.
Augsburg's physicality in the air could test the fledgling partnership of Gadou and Prates. Prates, a Brazilian youth international, is still adjusting to European football, while Gadou's passing under pressure was exposed in the Supercup. Augsburg's delivery from wide areas, particularly from Ermedin Demirović, could be decisive. If Schalke's young defenders can handle the aerial duels, they will give themselves a platform to counter.
A win for Augsburg would provide early breathing space in the table. For Schalke, a positive result on the road would fuel belief that their top-flight stay is permanent. The new season is long, but both sides understand the value of a strong start.
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