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

With only five points separating first and fifth, 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: 55 (28 games)
Goal difference: +15 (39-24)
Next fixture: Elversberg (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 leads against Hannover and Darmstadt, Kenan Karaman then struck late to secure a narrow 1-0 victory over Karlsruhe to remain at the summit with next weekend's clash against Elversberg crucial for their promotion push.

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 1-0 Karlsruhe - highlights

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

Standings

Matchday updates

Bumps ahead at both ends of the table

Watch Matchday 28 highlights!

Who is vying for promotion in Bundesliga 2?