FC Bayern doesn’t have to wait until the official release of the Bundesliga schedule. The German champions’ opening-match opponent will be announced a day earlier. At the same time, an initial leak of the schedule is already fueling speculation.
The German Soccer League (DFL) is taking a new approach to the release of the Bundesliga schedule this year. Although the complete schedule for the 2026/27 season won’t be released until Thursday, select matches will be announced in advance.
FC Bayern is also benefiting from this.
Bayern will know its opening-match opponent as early as Wednesday
As the Bundesliga officially announced, the opponent for the opening match will be revealed as early as Wednesday. As part of the so-called Bundesliga City Challenge, a clue will first be published at 4 p.m., followed by the reveal.
Other special matchups are also set to be announced in advance. Among other things, the fixtures for the Revierderby between Schalke 04 and Borussia Dortmund, as well as the first opponent for Bundesliga newcomer SV Elversberg, will be revealed before the full schedule is released.
However, it remains unclear whether FC Bayern will open the new season on August 28 at the Allianz Arena or on the road.
Schalke as an opponent? First leak sparks speculation
Oh no, if that’s true pic.twitter.
com/ydqmOj9tPa
— hxnnes04 (@hxnnes04) June 29, 2026
While an official announcement is still pending, the first rumors are already circulating on social media.
According to these rumors, FC Bayern could face returning Bundesliga side Schalke 04 in the league opener. However, there has been no confirmation of this so far. It remains to be seen whether this is actually an authentic leak or merely speculation.
Traditionally, the DFL uses the opening match to showcase the Bundesliga internationally with an attractive matchup. Last year, FC Bayern opened the season against RB Leipzig. A year earlier, defending champion Bayer Leverkusen kicked off the new season with an away game at Borussia Mönchengladbach.
For FC Bayern, the Bundesliga opener will already be their second competitive match of the new season.
Just one week earlier, on August 22, the Munich team will face Borussia Dortmund in the Super Cup for the first title of the new season.
The opponent for the Bundesliga opener will be officially announced this Wednesday.