VfB Stuttgart 2026/27 season preview: Can Sebastian Hoeneß's men continue their upward momentum?
VfB Stuttgart are in the UEFA Champions League for the second time in three seasons thanks to their fourth-place Bundesliga finish in 2025/26. Can they go even further under Sebastian Hoeneß this campaign, or will their European responsibilities negatively impact their domestic form? Here's how they stand ahead of the new term...
VfB Stuttgart
2025/26 finish: 4th
Pre-season results: 7-0 win vs. Balingen, 5-0 win vs. Hollenbach, 8-1 win vs. Kickers Offenbach, 2-2 draw vs. Paris FC, 3-1 win vs. Everton, 1-0 defeat vs. Fulham
First three fixtures: Bayern Munich (A), Cologne (H), Hoffenheim (A)
What to expect?
Stuttgart's transformation from relegation candidates to one of Germany's leading teams under Hoeneß is showing no signs of letting up. After winning the 2024/25 DFB Cup, they also made last year's final before losing to Bayern Munich, underlining their ability to perform on several fronts.
They have performed well in pre-season, scoring 28 goals in their six warm-up fixtures before defeating Hansa Rostock 4-0 in the first round of the cup. After reaching the last 16 of last season's UEFA Europa League and failing to progress from the league phase in the 2024/25 Champions League, Stuttgart may well see a strong continental run as their main objective over the next 10 months, but they have still more than enough quality to impress in the Bundesliga, too.
Key new signing: Dženan Pejčinović
Stuttgart already had strong attacking options in Deniz Undav and Ermedin Demirović, but they have further boosted their forward line with the addition of Pejčinović from Wolfsburg. Despite the competition for places, the Germany U21 international has already made an impact, netting a debut hat-trick in the win over Rostock.
See all Stuttgart's summer comings and goings here
With plenty of games to come this term, Stuttgart will require numerous quality options, and in Pejčinović they already appear to have made a shrewd signing. Grischa Prömel, who has come in from Hoffenheim, will also provide extra energy to the midfield.
Key player: Deniz Undav
Newly appointed club captain, Undav is undoubtedly one of the best players in the Bundesliga. Last season was his most prolific yet at Stuttgart, as he netted 25 goals in all competitions, including 19 in the league - second only to Harry Kane - to become the leading German goalscorer in Europe's top five leagues.
His club form took him to the FIFA World Cup 2026, where he found the back of the net three times for Germany in just four games. At 30 years of age, he is one of the older heads in the Stuttgart dressing room, and his mentality, as well as his ability to influence those around him, makes him a crucial part of the Swabians hopes of success this term.
Check out Stuttgart's new jerseys for 2026/27
Talking point
Hoeneß has made a big call by replacing Atakan Karazor as captain, with Undav becoming his new skipper. “Deniz is an experienced player who has already taken on a lot of responsibility, is always in close contact with the coaching staff and the team, and enjoys a high standing. He is a key player on the pitch and has made a significant contribution to our successful journey," the head coach said.
Whether that decision has an effect on the dressing room remains to be scene, while Hoeneß also has a dilemma up front. As mentioned, Pejčinović has already made his mark, but Demirović has 27 goals in 59 Bundesliga appearances for Stuttgart and already has a good understanding with Undav. Getting team selection right will be crucial as the team start their Bundesliga campaign against Bayern on Friday (8.30pm CEST).
Follow Stuttgart's Bundesliga opener at Bayern here!
