FC Koln play an away match against VfB Stuttgart on Friday, September 4, 2026. Kick-off at the Mercedes-Benz Arena is at 8:30 PM, as reported by Sportschau, which is broadcasting the game live.
This encounter marks the second matchday of the 2026/27 season. For FC Koln, it is the first away trip of the new campaign. The broadcaster's livestream begins at 6:15 PM. The Billy Goats face an opponent in Stuttgart that was one of the surprise teams last season.
Which players are missing for FC Koln?
Head coach Timo Schultz has to make do without several key figures. The injury list at 1. FC Koln is lengthy and includes striker Luca Waldschmidt. Attacking winger Sebastian Sebulonsen is also ruled out. In defense, two potential starters are absent in Timo Hübers and Said El Mala. A closer look at the current squad reveals the personnel shortages.
There are further absences in the center of attack, where Thijs Dallinga is unavailable. These missing players force the Cologne management to make adjustments to the starting lineup. The club's medical department is working hard to get the players fit again as soon as possible. The complete list of injured professionals can be viewed on our injuries page.
How important is this early season benchmark?
An away win in Stuttgart would be a strong signal for FC Koln's ambitions this season. The team wants to collect points quickly after a mixed start. A victory against a direct competitor could significantly boost team spirit. The match offers a first real assessment after the preseason preparations.
The players know that every single game in the tight Bundesliga can decide the final league position. A positive start to the away campaign is therefore very important. The current standings don't show major differences yet, but that could change quickly after this weekend.
What follows after the match in Stuttgart?
Immediately after the trip to Swabia, 1. FC Koln prepares for the next competitive match. As early as Saturday, September 12, 2026, the next Bundesliga home game awaits. Then the Billy Goats will host SV Werder Bremen at the RheinEnergieSTADION.
This quick succession of matches requires good rotation and efficient recovery. Preparations for the encounter against Bremen are already running in parallel. Fans can view the complete season fixtures online. FC Koln aims to secure its first season victory in front of a home crowd.
The match against Stuttgart will show how competitive the Cologne squad really is despite the personnel issues. Securing a point under these circumstances would be an acceptable result. Timo Schultz's team is looking for solutions to compensate for the missing quality. The coming days will be decisive for further planning.
