Schalke currently lead the way, but the Royal Blues have several teams breathing down their necks with only five rounds of fixtures remaining.
With only eight 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: 58 (29 games)
Goal difference: +16 (41-25)
Next fixture: Preußen Münster (a)
Schalke briefly conceded top spot early in 2026 - a position they had held since Matchday 14 - but they reclaimed first place on Matchday 22 and have been there ever since. After three seasons in Bundesliga 2, a return to the top flight is tantalisingly close.
Watch: Schalke won at Elversberg on Matchday 30
