2. Bundesliga (Germany) 2026/27

2. Bundesliga stands as the second tier of the German football league system. Positioned directly below the top-flight 1. Bundesliga and above the 3. Liga, it serves as a critical pathway for clubs seeking the highest level of domestic competition. The league was established in 1974 by the German Football Association (DFB), replacing five regional Regionalligas to create a unified national structure. Since then, it has undergone significant structural changes, including a temporary split into North and South divisions for the 1991–92 season following German reunification.

The competition is currently organized by the Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL) and features 18 clubs. Each season follows a double round-robin format, culminating in 34 matchdays. The stakes are high: the top two teams gain automatic promotion to the Bundesliga, while the third-placed side enters a two-legged playoff against the 16th-placed Bundesliga team. Conversely, the bottom two teams face relegation to the 3. Liga, with the 16th-placed 2. Bundesliga club battling the third-placed 3. Liga side for survival.

1. FC Köln holds the record for the most titles in the league's history with five championships. FC Schalke 04 has claimed the most recent championships, including the 2025–26 title. The league is also known for its distinct atmosphere compared to the top flight, characterized by higher attendance relative to stadium capacity and a stronger presence of standing terraces. Financially, clubs rely heavily on gate receipts and local sponsorships, adhering to the DFL's 50+1 rule which ensures majority member control.