Schalke currently lead the way, but the Royal Blues have several teams breathing down their necks as we enter the final three months of the 2025/26 campaign.

We train the spotlight on the teams eyeing a place in the top flight next term…

How does promotion and relegation work in the Bundesliga?

Schalke
Position: 1st (automatic promotion)
Points: 51 (26 games)
Goal difference: +14 (37-23)
Next fixture: Darmstadt (a)

A patchy run of form had seen Schalke concede top spot - a position they had held since Matchday 14 - but they reclaimed first place (where they have remained since) with a narrow victory at Holstein Kiel on Matchday 22, before taking seven points from the next available nine. Having conceded a two-goal lead against Hannover, however, Schalke missed the chance to separate themselves from the chasing pack.

Having bolstered their squad with the likes of Edin Džeko, Adil Aouchiche and Moussa Ndiaye in January, Miron Muslić’s side will be confident of going the distance this season – particularly if they can maintain their remarkable defensive record. After three seasons in Bundesliga 2, a return to the top flight looms large on the horizon.

Watch: Schalke draw with Hannover on Matchday 26

			P	Won-Draw-LostW-D-L	G	+/-	Pts

Standings

Matchday updates

Münster dismiss coaching team

Watch Matchday 26 highlights

Who is vying for promotion in Bundesliga 2?