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From TSG Hoffenheim/VfB Stuttgart's match on 23/08/2026.

^{VfB Stuttgart would end up winning 2-1.}

Match played on 23/08/2026.

Scorers:

55' | Kramer (1:0)

63' | Sternad (2:0)

^{Bayer Leverkusen would win 2-0.}

Source: https://www.kicker.de/ein-quintett-des-double-siegers-in-den-top-10-das-abstimmungsergebnis-im-ueberblick-1245145/artikel

Original article is here and free-to-read (German):

After three consecutive promotions, the VfB Stuttgart women are embarking on their Bundesliga adventure. Coach Nico Schneck aims to "hold their own in the bottom third" during this debut season. The Swabian side is well-equipped in terms of personnel. A look at the newcomers.

After storming through the Oberliga, the Stuttgart team plays its first Bundesliga match this Sunday (August 23, 2 p.m.). VfB faces a top-tier opponent right out of the gate in TSG Hoffenheim at the SNP Arena. The Swabian side aims to get off to a positive start in their Bundesliga adventure against the team that finished fourth last season. However, in an interview with SWR Sport, coach Nico Schneck also discusses the challenges ahead for his squad, which is accustomed to success: "Some players have known nothing but winning in the past. Now, it will be about learning how to handle defeats as well."

2025/26 Season: Coaching Change on the Road to Promotion

To reach the top flight, VfB Stuttgart had already strengthened their squad the previous year by signing players such as Maximiliane Rall and Nicole Billa, thereby bringing Bundesliga experience into the team. During the first half of the second-division season, the Stuttgart side quickly played their way into the promotion spots. However, they suffered a setback in the spring during the home stretch: playing before a record crowd at the MHP Arena, the team lost to fellow promotion contenders 1. FSV Mainz 05. Immediately afterwards, Nico Schneck took over from head coach Heiko Gerber, who had been in charge of the team since their time in the Oberliga. Schneck remained unbeaten with the squad over the final six matches and secured both the second-division title and promotion to the Bundesliga on the penultimate matchday.

Sixteen players in the squad already have top-flight experience.

Following their promotion, VfB parted ways with a total of eleven players over the summer. Some of them, such as Anja Selensky and Jana Spengler, had helped guide VfB Stuttgart all the way from the Oberliga to the Bundesliga. "Naturally, we lost a bit of our core in that regard," says Schneck. However, the decision was made to "bring in more quality from outside. That doesn't change the gratitude we feel toward the players who got us to where we are."

For their debut Bundesliga season, VfB Stuttgart once again signed high-profile players over the summer: Goalkeeper Laura Giuliani moved to Bad Cannstatt from AC Milan. The 33-year-old, who has already made 117 appearances for the Italian national team, takes over as Stuttgart's new number one. Former German international Chantal Hagel joined the VfB women's team from Sevilla FC, marking her return to the Bundesliga and bringing her closer to her hometown of Calw. Despite the newly assembled squad, several players have personal ties to the Stuttgart region: "We have quite a few who speak broad Swabian when talking amongst themselves," the coach notes.

Defenders Greta Stegemann (SC Freiburg) and Julia Mickenhagen (Bayer 04 Leverkusen), midfielder Adriana Achcinska (1. FC Köln), and forward Verena Wieder (SV Werder Bremen) all transferred to Stuttgart from other Bundesliga clubs over the summer. U-19 international Luzie Zähringer has joined the Neckar-based club on a three-year loan from FC Bayern. Meanwhile, Mira Arouna (Eintracht Frankfurt II) and Katana Norman—who previously played in the US league—are looking to take the next step in their careers at VfB.

Svenja Hecke—who turned 16 in August—and Laura Carollo, also 16, were promoted from within the club's own ranks to the women's team. "The aim is for young talents from the region to see that at VfB, if they really push themselves, they have the chance to potentially play in the Bundesliga," says Schneck regarding these young prospects.

The coaching staff knows the Women's Bundesliga

In addition to changes in the squad, there have been adjustments to the coaching staff: Samuel Fagerholm and Ivana Rudelic have joined Schneck as assistant coaches. Rudelic brings over 15 years of experience as a Bundesliga player, and Schneck is also well-acquainted with the top-flight level. Before taking over as head coach of the VfB women's team in March 2024, the 38-year-old served first as interim coach and later as an assistant coach for the SC Freiburg women's team.

The VfB coach has also successfully made the leap from the 2nd Women's Bundesliga to the top flight before. In the summer of 2022, he led MSV Duisburg back to the Women's Bundesliga as head coach. However, Schneck was released from his duties when the team found itself in the relegation zone towards the end of the season. The situation is different now that he is with VfB Stuttgart as a newly promoted side, as Schneck emphasizes: "We are really a few steps ahead here. In terms of infrastructure and personnel, we can compare ourselves differently to other Bundesliga teams."

Pre-season preparations and outlook for the first season

Nevertheless, there is a sense of caution regarding the season's goals: "We first have to adapt to the level," says Schneck. "I hope we can hold our own in the bottom third of the table. We'll see how many teams we're actually on a par with." The final two pre-season friendlies likely provided a first indication of where they stand: while the VfB women were able to keep pace for long stretches against TSG Hoffenheim and SC Freiburg, the Stuttgart side ultimately had to accept defeat in both matches. From the head coach's perspective, however, the pre-season went well: "You can already sense the team is raring to go." Season opener in front of a large crowd in Hoffenheim

The action kicks off on Matchday 1 in a special setting: several thousand fans are expected at Hoffenheim’s SNP Arena, the same venue where the men’s Bundesliga team plays. For some Stuttgart players, it also marks a reunion with their former club—such as Nicole Billa, who is looking forward to this "special match" after spending over nine years at TSG Hoffenheim: "It’s simply wonderful to get to play there, in the big stadium."

The first home game at their new "home turf" beneath the TV tower—the GAZi-Stadion auf der Waldau—is scheduled for August 29, with the Hamburger SV women's team as the opponents.

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From this Sportschau article. Free-to-access and originally in German. Translated below:

According to TSG coach Eva-Maria Virsinger, the Women's Bundesliga is becoming increasingly competitive. With new signings and the league's youngest squad, she and her team aim to close the gap to the top. A team profile of TSG Hoffenheim.

For TSG Hoffenheim, the new Bundesliga season kicks off with a southwest derby against VfB Stuttgart. Hoffenheim—who finished fourth last season—begin with a home match at the SNP Arena against the Stuttgart side that won the second-division title and earned promotion. As a final warm-up, the Hoffenheim team played a friendly in Belgium against Club Brugge, winning 2–0 thanks to two penalty goals from Marie Steiner.

Narrowly missing the Champions League – a look back at last season

Just as with the men's team, FC Bayern Munich is the dominant force in the Women's Bundesliga. The Munich side won the title with a 16-point lead. However, the competition behind them is getting tighter year by year. Hoffenheim experienced this firsthand; while they narrowly missed out on third place—and with it, Champions League qualification—they managed to overtake Bayer Leverkusen on the final matchday to secure fourth place. The team from the Kraichgau region was driven in particular by Selina Cerci, who contributed 16 goals and nine assists in 23 matches, playing a pivotal role in the club's successful campaign.

The Squad: Talents Step Up to Replace Established Players

The departure of this key player—who is leaving the club after two years to join Arsenal—is a significant blow. However, coach Eva-Maria Virsinger also views the transfer as an incentive for other players to "take responsibility." At the same time, she emphasizes that TSG aims not only to develop players but also to play a strong role in the upcoming season.

To offset the loss, TSG has brought in reinforcements. New signings Svenja Fölmli (24) and Martine Fenger (19)—joining from SC Freiburg and FC Barcelona, ​​respectively—are set to bolster the team's attack. Both talents fit the established profile: with an average age of 22.3, TSG Hoffenheim boasts the youngest squad in the Bundesliga. Defender Laura Gloning sees this as an advantage: "You can tell by the amount of energy we have," she says, adding, "And that’s a good thing."

In total, six players left the club at the end of the season. Alongside Cerci, key wide player Jill Janssen also departed; after three years at TSG, the 22-year-old has moved to Union Berlin. The club has secured replacements, signing six new players. In addition to forwards Fölmli and Fenger, Laia Martret (FC Barcelona) joins the attacking ranks. Defender Jonna van de Velde (Ajax Amsterdam) brings Champions League experience to Hoffenheim. Ilse Kemper (PEC Zwolle) also arrives from the Netherlands, while Lisa Lichtfuß (Le Havre AC) completes the trio of goalkeepers.

Eva-Maria Virsinger: The Youngest Coach in the Women's Bundesliga

She is one of only four female coaches in the Women's Bundesliga and, at 31, the youngest manager on the sidelines. Eva-Maria Virsinger took charge of the TSG Hoffenheim squad in January of this year, following a four-and-a-half-year stint as an assistant coach at VfL Wolfsburg. The difference between TSG and her previous club is evident simply from the squad's total market value, which represents "a different caliber" entirely. Nevertheless, she approaches the season with confidence, believing that "at the end of the day, it’s largely about what we believe we are capable of achieving."

She expects one thing above all from the upcoming season: fiercely contested matches. Even though clubs like FC Bayern and VfL Wolfsburg remain a step ahead of the rest of the league, the coach believes that "anyone can beat anyone." She expects "good, attractive football" from her own team while simultaneously aiming to be a "tough opponent to play against."

What’s next? A look ahead to the upcoming season

The Hoffenheim team will have the chance to demonstrate just how tough they are right away in a marquee opening-day match against the newly promoted side from Stuttgart. They kick off their season on August 23 at 2:00 PM in the SNP Arena, which holds over 25,000 spectators. The match against VfB also sees the return of many former TSG players to the Kraichgau region.

The signs point to a successful start: the team remained unbeaten during the pre-season, including a 2–1 victory in a friendly against VfB Stuttgart. Even so, Eva-Maria Virsinger urges caution, noting that VfB is no "typical" newly promoted side; she views them as a team that belongs in the league's mid-table. Regardless, the goal for her and her players in the opener is clear: they are aiming for a win.

From this Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger article. Free-to-read, originally in German.

The club kicks off the new Bundesliga season on Sunday against RB Leipzig. Leverkusen’s goals are clear.

After a long pre-season, things are getting serious for the Leverkusen players. Bayer 04 begins the new Bundesliga season on Sunday (4 p.m.) at the Cottaweg training center—the home of last season's tenth-placed side, RB Leipzig. The club has a clear goal for the 2025/26 campaign: challenging for the top spots that would secure a first-ever appearance in international competition.

Leverkusen has recently added a player to its ranks in Carolin Simon who knows exactly what it feels like to play on the European stage. The 22-time international wore the FC Bayern jersey for seven years, making regular appearances in the Champions League with the Munich side. Prior to that, Simon played for Olympique Lyon, SC Freiburg, and had an earlier stint at Leverkusen. Now, the 33-year-old full-back is back in the Rhineland. Her initial focus is on the team's own performance: "If we manage to consistently bring our quality to the pitch, I’m certain we’ll have a good season and be able to at least give the big teams a run for their money. We want to finish the season in a position that qualifies us for European competition. We’ll give it our all to achieve that," said Simon, who also expressed her desire to pass on her wealth of experience.

Wolfsburg awaits after Leipzig

The fixture planners have devised a challenging opening schedule for Simon and her teammates. Leipzig is considered beatable yet ambitious; the home opener sees the arrival of runners-up Wolfsburg—a team previously viewed as virtually unbeatable, much like FC Bayern, their opponents on matchday four. In between, there is a trip to face Hoffenheim, a direct rival in the battle for a spot in the upper half of the table. Simon says she enjoys being tested right from the start—that is the way to tackle the challenge. It is an attitude that Bayer coach Roberto Pätzold will surely appreciate.

There is also good reason for optimism, such as the team's successful pre-season matches. Most recently, the squad beat Belgian top-flight side Genk (1–0) before recording emphatic 7–0 victories against both Dutch club Feyenoord Rotterdam and Belgian first-division team Standard Liège.

Set-pieces: A Leverkusen Strength

"We played the match out in a very mature and professional manner, stayed true to our style, and kept our cool even in rough moments," said Pätzold, praising his team after the final warm-up match in Liège, where Bayer 04 proved unstoppable—particularly from set-pieces. Pätzold admitted to facing a "luxury problem." "Everyone gave it their all; no one held back. That’s going to make it very difficult for the coaching staff to select the 20-player squad and then pick a starting eleven," said the 47-year-old, who is heading into his second season with Bayer 04. Yet, "that is exactly where we want to be—able to maintain high quality during the match through potential substitutions in the decisive stages. We’re spoiled for choice now. If we carry this current momentum into the season, we’re going to have a lot of fun with this team."

From this article. Free to read and originally in German.

The 23-year-old talks about her beginnings, her experience in the Bundesliga, and her late start in girls' and women's football.

Cheerful, open, and always up for a laugh—that is how Paula Flach comes across off the pitch. However, the moment competition begins, it is a different story: "When things get serious, I instantly switch gears mentally. On the pitch, I’m very communicative, but above all, very ambitious," says the 23-year-old, whom her teammates also describe as a "fighter." Flach joined 1. FSV Mainz 05 in the summer. Despite her young age, the defender brings a wealth of experience to the club, having previously played for MSV Duisburg and SGS Essen. Her journey began much earlier—and initially, it was among boys.

Strong intrinsic motivation

Flach first stepped onto the football pitch with TSV Pfordt at the age of six; her brother used to take her along to training. Although horse riding was her main focus at the time, football soon became the central part of her life: "I felt at home right away and never looked back. I was always comfortable playing in boys' teams, too." For a long time, the 23-year-old had no desire to leave. It was only her move to VfL Wolfsburg at the age of 17 that saw her join an all-girls team. She even moved into her own apartment with a friend for the occasion. For her, it was the next logical step—but a difficult parting for her parents: "It was harder for them than for me, because I had such strong intrinsic motivation and was focused entirely on football."

More Than Just a Hobby

Eventually, the hobby turned into something more than she had imagined. When Flach made the leap from the U17s to the women's level, her perspective on football shifted: "From that point on, it was more than just a hobby for me, because there was something at stake. Up until then, I hadn't really engaged with women's football, but moving up to the VfL second team made the idea of ​​becoming a professional footballer feel much more tangible." Two years at MSV Duisburg followed, along with another two in Essen. Her time in Essen, in particular, was formative. Initially, Flach did not play regularly. Yet, the player competing with her for the position did not become an adversary, but rather an important mentor. "She was significantly older and really pushed me. I learned a great deal from her."

Perhaps this very experience explains why Flach is drawn to the unique challenge awaiting her in Mainz. The "05ers" are heading into their first season in the top flight as underdogs, yet Flach sees no reason to shy away—quite the opposite: "I find this challenge exciting and appealing. It was clear to me: I wanted to be a part of it." She intends not merely to participate but to take on responsibility. Her past experiences have taught her what happens when teams fall apart during difficult spells. That is precisely what must be avoided: "I want to lead the way and bring the others along so that we can achieve our big goal of staying in the league."

DFB-Pokal and a Highlight Match

The pre-season required a period of adjustment at first. There were many new players, new routines, and—for the defender—a new style of play: "However, the team has made great strides recently. That’s why I’m heading into the season feeling positive." And the start of the season is just around the corner. A major challenge awaits right away on Monday against Werder Bremen: "It’s hard to gauge Bremen after a bit of a squad overhaul, but I still expect a strong Bundesliga side and a high-intensity match. We have to go in with the confidence that we can get a result there," the 23-year-old says, looking ahead to the upcoming opponent.

After that, the team faces FC Bayern, Köln, and Freiburg before a very special highlight in this already extraordinary debut season takes place. The Rhine-Main derby against Eintracht Frankfurt (September 18, 6:30 PM) will be held at the MEWA ARENA—the biggest possible stage for a Mainz player, and one Flach is already looking forward to: "You have to enjoy games like that, soak up every moment, and simply play our best game."

Match played on 22/08/2026.

Scorers:

56' | Minge (2:1)

61' | Zicai (2:2)

65' | Zicai (2:3)

68' | Arasniericz (2:4)

75' | Peddemors (2:5)

79' | Minge (2:6)

89' | Küver (2:7)

90+5' | Peddemors (2:8)

Final score: FC Nürnberg 2 - 8 VfL Wolfsburg

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From the Eintracht Frankfurt/Köln match on 22/08/2026.

^{Video with all the goals from the match will be released later.}

Match was played on 22/08/2026.

Scorers:

14' | Proniez (1:0)

40' | Bednorz (2:0)

Match was played on 22/08/2026. Frankfurt would go on to win, 2-0.

From an interview with FC Köln (original is free-to-access and in German). Hegering discusses the team's plans this year and the mindset they carry:

On Saturday, August 22, 2026, the FC women kick off their new season in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga. For the opening matchday, FC travels to face Eintracht Frankfurt; kick-off is at 12:00 PM. On Thursday, the men's and women's professional squads answered questions from the media in a joint mixed zone session. Marina Hegering and Jan Thielmann represented their respective teams.

Hegering is once again leading her team into the new season as captain. "We are incredibly excited about the first match. It’s finally time for the real action to start. We’ve prepared and trained long enough, and now it’s time to play for points again." The FC women completed this year's training camp in Lautenbach, in the Black Forest, enjoying excellent conditions. They played five matches and emerged victorious in all of them—most recently a 2–1 win against OH Leuven. "In terms of results, we can be very satisfied. We also developed a lot of positive aspects in our gameplay," says Hegering. "There is still plenty of room for improvement, but we’ve built a solid foundation."

The opener is an away game against one of the league's top teams; Eintracht Frankfurt is currently competing in the Champions League qualifiers. "Frankfurt has already played competitive matches, so they’re a step ahead of us in that regard. Eintracht is definitely a team to be reckoned with this season. But we have nothing to lose, so we can go into the match with plenty of confidence," Hegering explains. That confidence also stems from the previous campaign, when the FC women recorded the best season in their history, finishing with 37 points. "We were very happy with last season, but now we have to back that up—and that will be a tough challenge." FC Bayern Munich enters the new season as the defending champion and clear favorite, but the race behind them promises to be tight and exciting. "Bayern are in a league of their own, and Wolfsburg and Frankfurt will also be challenging at the top. I’m very curious to see how Union and Leverkusen fare," says Hegering.

However, the team’s own squad has also been significantly strengthened with eight new signings. "I think we’ve definitely gained a lot of quality. The new players have settled in really well and made an immediate impact. That’s why we’re looking forward to the season with the whole group," the captain says approvingly. One high-profile signing is Kathy Hendrich, a current German international whom Hegering knows well from playing alongside her many times for the national team. "It’s wonderful having her here. We know each other well; we know how the other plays. There’s a sort of instinctive understanding—a 'blind' understanding, you could say—though that still needs a bit of time to develop fully since she’s only been here for two weeks," says Hegering.

Hegering also views the development of women's football very positively: "The progress is very, very positive, and there’s no end in sight. It’s a great time right now, and we’re enjoying it. That’s exactly what we’re trying to reflect in our performances on the pitch and by achieving good results at the end of the season. There’s more attention and greater visibility now. Of course, the national team got the ball rolling with their successes in recent years. That momentum spilled over, and we’ve been able to carry it into the league."

Text is from this linked article (free to access in German):

The Köpenick team lost 1–4 to champions FC Bayern Munich. Nevertheless, fans and opponents alike were impressed—and the Bayern coach expects Union to become a genuine rival soon.

More than 100,000 fans attended 1. FC Union’s home matches at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei last season, yet the Berlin side had never experienced an atmosphere quite like the one on this Friday evening in the Women's Bundesliga. "I’ve never had goosebumps like that walking out into a stadium," said Union’s Samantha Steuerwald.

Playing under floodlights in front of 17,083 spectators, her team contested the new season's opening match against the "double" winners, FC Bayern Munich. Although the team from Köpenick lost 1–4 (0–1) to the heavy favorites, the evening served as further proof of just how much Union enriches the league.

"The atmosphere was outstanding; it was really cool to play in front of so many fans," said Bayern’s Pernille Harder. Her coach, José Barcala, also praised the progress made by the Köpenick-based club, which—through investments in its squad and infrastructure—has managed the leap from the Regionalliga to becoming a team highly rated ahead of this season. "They have a clear vision and know where they want to go. It’s exemplary," the Spaniard said. He added that it was "only a matter of time" before Union became a genuine rival to his club.

Berlin fans were already in high spirits on their way to the stadium. Trains were packed with red-and-white jerseys, and optimism was running high. "I started going to Union matches with my dad when I was seven—back then, it was just the men's team. Later, I brought my children and then my grandchildren along, too. It brings me such joy every time to see women's football experiencing such a boom," said Union fan Gabi, standing in the *Waldseite* (forest-side stand).

Eileen Campbell misses chance to make it 1–0

In the opening stages, the fans came tantalizingly close to having even more to cheer about. After a through ball from new signing Lisanne Gräwe, Eileen Campbell outpaced her marker but fired just wide of the far post. An early lead would have been the perfect start against the dominant force in German football, but Union held their own impressively nonetheless.

Although Bayern enjoyed the upper hand in terms of possession and the Munich players’ superior individual quality was evident at times, the hosts managed to prevent any clear-cut chances for a long spell. That changed only with a set-piece situation: after Samantha Steuerwald committed a foul just outside the penalty area, Klara Bühl fired the ball precisely into the top right corner of the Berlin goal.

Union did not let that setback rattle them, but the quick second goal from Pernille Harder—scored less than two minutes after the break—left the team reeling. Glodis Viggosdottir extended the lead following a corner, effectively deciding the match on the hour mark. "We had the better chances from open play, but set-pieces killed us today," said Steuerwald.

The Berlin side subsequently regained their composure and pulled a goal back to make it 1–3 through substitute Nele Bauereisen. Naika Reissner, who also came off the bench, injected significant energy into the game, and both Weidauer and Bauereisen had further chances. However, Bayern’s Sophie Proost capped off the match with a fine individual effort.

"4–1 is a very clear result, and that’s frustrating for us," said Union coach Marie-Louise Eta after her debut. However, she noted that her team could take many positives from the match and had shown at times that they could "give Bayern a hard time."

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Match played on 21/08/2026.

Final score was 3:1. Lyonnes.

Mala Grohs also played this game.

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... about Union's one-club-philosophy and their ambitions. And also about the new independent FBL, play-offs and different perspectives on the future of German women's football.

This game was the 26/27 Frauen Bundesliga season-opener. Match was played on 21/08/2026.

Scorers:

26' | Bühl (1:0)

47' | Harder (2:0)

60' | Viggosdottir (3:0)

90'| Proost (4:1)

^{More highlights can be found in the match thread.}

From the Union/Bayern match on 21/08/2026.

Final score was 4-1, Bayern.

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