The fixtures for the new season have been released, but who do Borussia Dortmund play on day one and what games should you look out for?
Will These Fixtures Allow Borussia Dortmund To Get a Headstart on Their Rivals?
The Bundesliga fixtures are out, and Niko Kovac's side have been handed a mixed bag in terms of on-paper difficulty for the opening games of the 2026/27 season.
Who will Borussia Dortmund Face on Day One?
Last season's Bundesliga runners-up Borussia Dortmund will face lower mid-table finishers Hamburger SV on the opening day of the new season at the Signal Iduna Park.
This can be seen as a favourable opening game for the Yellow Wall; it is a home game, and not against a team you would expect to be challenging at the top of the table throughout the season.
In comparison, rivals Bayern Munich will be facing VfB Stuttgart at home on the Friday night of the opening weekend, a much tougher test in theory.
What do Borussia Dortmund's Fixtures Look Like Up Until the First International Break?
Following Dortmund's opening-day game against Hamburger SV, a trip to Hoffenheim awaits Niko Kovac's team. Then a home fixture against newly promoted side Paderborn, with the final game before the September international break being arguably the toughest of the four in an away trip to fellow Champions League side VfB Stuttgart.
Big Games to Look Out For
The big fixture that Borussia Dortmund fans will be looking for will be Der Klassiker against Bayern Munich. The first fixture between the pair will see Borussia Dortmund make the trip to the Allianz Arena on the 31st of October, hoping to give the home fans quite the scare during the spooky season. Then the reverse fixture back at the Signal Iduna Park falls on the 6th March, towards the back end of the season, with Dortmund hoping that this could prove to be a pivotal match in their ambitions of a title hunt.
Another game of high interest to Borussia Dortmund will be the two games against the newly promoted Schalke 04 in the Revierderby.
The first fixture between the sides will take place in Schalke at the VELTINS Arena on the 5th of December. Then the reverse fixture at the Signal Iduna Park will take place on the 10th of April, where Dortmund will be hoping that their big rivals do not halt Niko Kovac's side's aims of winning major honours this season.
Author's Verdict
So it is clear that the opening fixtures of the new campaign could act as a massive springboard in getting Borussia Dortmund off to a good start, with the potential to make a statement by beating their title rivals Bayern Munich in a Der Klassiker away from home, quite early on in the season, which could prove to be a catalyst for success.
And with big games towards the end of the season, including a Revierderby, it will be essential for Dortmund to fly out of the traps and not fall victim to a slow start if they wish to dream big this upcoming season.
