Borussia Dortmund enters the new season with clear ambitions after finishing as runners-up in the 2025 Bundesliga. Under coach Niko Kovač, the team aims to close the twelve-point gap to record champions Bayern Munich in the upcoming campaign.
Kovač, the 54-year-old Croatian, took over as head coach on February 2, 2025, and has since shaped the team. Under his leadership, Dortmund scored 60 goals while conceding 29 last season, resulting in a solid goal difference of +31. The record of 19 wins, seven draws, and only three losses from 29 games shows consistent performances. However, the recent form of LWWWW shows the last outing was a defeat.
The team must cope with several absences affecting Niko Kovač's plans. Defender Nico Schlotterbeck is currently sidelined, as is midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka. Ramy Bensebaini is also currently unavailable. These gaps need to be filled in the coming matches. The current squad overview can be found on our squad page.
Despite the injuries, there is positive news. Striker Fábio Silva goes into pre-season as the team's current top scorer after netting one goal last season. Another key player is Marcel Sabitzer, who holds a central role in midfield. The squad depth will be tested in the upcoming intense phase featuring Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League football.
Borussia Dortmund most recently contested the Super Cup against arch-rivals Bayern Munich. The match ended in a 1-2 defeat for the Black and Yellows. This result breaks the previously positive run and shows there is still room for improvement in direct duels with the champions. All past and future results are documented on our fixtures page.
The next official fixture is a friendly against Hamburger SV on Saturday, August 29, 2026. This home game at Signal Iduna Park serves as final competitive preparation. The legendary stadium in Dortmund has a capacity of 81,359 and is expected to be well-filled once again.
The main objectives are clearly defined. The team wants to catch up with Bayern Munich and bring the championship title back to Dortmund. Last season's runners-up finish with 64 points was a step in the right direction but is not enough. The complete Bundesliga table can be found on our standings page.
In parallel, the club has qualified for the UEFA Champions League and will also compete in the newly introduced Club World Cup. The squad must be able to handle this international double burden. The injury list, maintained on the injuries page, therefore needs to remain as short as possible.
The next real Bundesliga test follows on September 5, 2026, with an away match at TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. Hoffenheim finished last season in sixth place, presenting a demanding opponent for the start of the campaign. For Borussia Dortmund, it's about setting the pace from the very beginning and continuing the positive development under Niko Kovač.
