Schalke have already confirmed promotion to the Bundesliga, but behind the Royal Blues there are three teams still in contention for the second automatic spot and play-off berth.
With one point separating second and fourth, we train the spotlight on the sides eyeing a place in the top flight next term…
How does promotion and relegation work in the Bundesliga?
Schalke
Position: 1st (automatic promotion)
Points: 67 (31 games)
Goal difference: +21 (49-28)
Next fixture: Nuremberg (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, they can look forward to the Bundesliga once more after beating Fortuna Düsseldorf on Matchday 32, a win which also helped them secure the second-division title.
Watch: Schalke 1-0 Fortuna Düsseldorf - highlights
