Hannover 96 Leads 2. Bundesliga After Perfect Start to 2025/26 Season

Hannover 96’s Strong Start

Hannover 96 has surged to the top of the 2. Bundesliga after a flawless start to the 2025/26 campaign. With four wins from four matches and a +6 goal difference, they are the league’s only side with a perfect record as of early September. Their victories over Kaiserslautern, Fortuna Düsseldorf, and Magdeburg, capped by another hard-fought win, underline both their attacking potency and defensive resilience. Promotion back to the Bundesliga already looks like a realistic goal.

League Standings and Contenders

While Hannover leads the way, traditional heavyweights are lurking close behind:

Schalke 04: Three wins from four (9 points) put them firmly in contention, though a loss has slowed early momentum.
Elversberg: Level with Schalke on points, their slightly weaker goal difference keeps them in third.
Paderborn & Karlsruher: Strong starts have them within touching distance of the leaders, hinting at a wide-open race.

The standings suggest another unpredictable 2. Bundesliga season, where a handful of clubs are well-positioned to challenge for promotion.

Fixture Announcements and Upcoming Challenges

The DFL has confirmed fixtures through November, giving clubs clarity for squad rotation and planning. For Hannover, upcoming games will test their staying power, with crucial matchups against fellow contenders that could shape the table heading into winter.

Early Season Takeaways

Hannover 96: Four wins, eight goals scored, and just two conceded—form that screams title challenger.
Schalke 04 & Elversberg: Both poised to keep the pressure on with consistent early results.
Competitive Balance: Several clubs remain within reach, highlighting the depth and unpredictability of the league.

Bottom line: Hannover 96’s perfect start has set the tone for the season, but with challengers like Schalke, Elversberg, and Paderborn close behind, the promotion race promises to be tight and dramatic as the fall fixtures unfold.