Greuther Fürth and Rot-Weiss Essen to contest play-off for place in 2026/27 Bundesliga 2
Greuther Fürth and Rot-Weiss Essen will contest a two-legged play-off to determine which of the clubs will play in Bundesliga 2 in 2026/27.
Fürth climbed out of the bottom two to secure their spot in the play-off in dramatic circumstances on the final day, courtesy of a resounding 3-0 win over Fortuna Düsseldorf that sent their opponents down.
Essen also prevailed in thrilling fashion, with a stoppage-time goal sealing a 3-2 win at Ulm that nudged them into third place in 3. Liga ahead of Duisburg, who could only draw 1-1 at home to Viktoria Cologne on the final day of the campaign.
Essen will host the first leg on Friday, 21 May. The decisive second leg will be at Fürth's Sportpark Ronhof on Tuesday, 26 May.
The team that wins on aggregate will get to play in the second tier in 2026/27. The loser either goes down or remains in 3. Liga. If level on aggregate after 180 minutes, there will be 30 minutes of extra-time and, if required, penalties. The away goals rule is no longer used.
Take a look back at the history of the play-off
