2. Bundesliga Preseason: Preparing for the 2026/27 Campaign
The 2026/27 2. FC Heidenheim, 1. FC Kaiserslautern, and Karlsruher SC are all balancing high-intensity training camps in the Alps with rigorous friendly match schedules to integrate new signings and finalize tactical systems before the opening round of league fixtures and the DFB-Pokal.
1. FC Heidenheim: Aiming for a Strong Start
Under the leadership of coach Frank Schmidt, 1. FC Heidenheim is focusing on continuity as they prepare for the new season. Despite a 0-1 loss to Swiss side FC Lugano, the team has maintained a dominant form against regional opponents, securing lopsided victories including a 12-0 win over SGM Langenau. According to the club’s schedule, Heidenheim will head to Natz-Schabs, South Tyrol, for a training camp from July 17 to July 25. A highlight of their preparation includes a friendly against Italian Serie A side FC Bologna on July 22 in Mühlbach. The team opens their 2. Bundesliga campaign at home against VfL Osnabrück on August 8.
1. FC Kaiserslautern: Integrating New Personnel
1. FC Kaiserslautern began their preparations on June 29, 2026, in front of a crowd of supporters. Coach Torsten Lieberknecht is currently working to address two primary squad vacancies identified early in the preseason. The team has enjoyed a productive run of friendlies, notably defeating the SV Sandhausen 5-3. Kaiserslautern’s upcoming schedule features a high-profile test against 1. FSV Mainz 05 on July 17, followed by a training camp in the Sterzing-Ratschings region of South Tyrol from July 19 to July 26. Their league season begins with a challenging away fixture against VfL Wolfsburg on August 8.
Karlsruher SC: A New Era Under Maximilian Senft
Karlsruher SC entered the 2026/27 cycle with a new tactical direction under Austrian head coach Maximilian Senft. The team began training on June 28 at the Wildpark Stadion, drawing crowds of fans. KSC’s preparation is heavily international; the squad is currently attending a training camp in Neukirchen am Großvenediger, Austria, until July 18. A major event for the club is the July 26 friendly against reigning Italian champions Inter Milan, which serves as the official season opening at the Wildpark. KSC faces Arminia Bielefeld in their league opener on August 8.
Preseason Comparison at a Glance
| Club | League Opener | Key International Friendly |
|---|---|---|
| 1. FC Heidenheim | vs. VfL Osnabrück | FC Bologna (July 22) |
| 1. FC Kaiserslautern | at VfL Wolfsburg | FC Metz (Aug 1) |
| Karlsruher SC | vs. Arminia Bielefeld | Inter Milan (July 26) |
Looking Ahead
The transition from preseason to competitive football concludes in late August with the first round of the DFB-Pokal. Heidenheim is scheduled to travel to SSV Jeddeloh II on August 23, while Kaiserslautern faces a regional derby against SV Waldhof Mannheim. Karlsruher SC will head to Preußen Münster as they look to build momentum from their expansive summer training program.