Who plays the season opener?

Dusseldorf opens the 3. Liga 2026/27 season on Friday, 7 August 2026 at 19:00 with an away match against Waldhof Mannheim. The DFB announced the fixture on 8 July. The game marks the start of a long schedule packed with traditional clashes and cup ties.

Which home games follow?

Just a week later, between 14 and 16 August, the Red‑Whites host TSG Hoffenheim II at the Merkur Spiel‑Arena. Then, on 23 August, the first DFB‑Cup round pits them against Bundesliga side SC Freiburg. The third league home match arrives on 3 September when VfB Stuttgart II visits the Stockumer Arena.

When are the NRW derbies scheduled?

The first regional classic arrives on matchday 4 (4–6 September) against Fortuna Cologne. A week later, between 11 and 13 September, MSV Duisburg travels to Düsseldorf for the big derby at the Merkur Spiel‑Arena. Additional fixtures with 1. FC Saarbrücken (16–18 October) and Viktoria Cologne (matchday 17, December) complete the NRW‑derby slate.

What happens in December?

On 11 December, matchday 17, Dusseldorf visits Cologne to face Viktoria Cologne – another high‑stakes derby in the second half of the season. The match is seen as a potential turning point for the table, as both clubs chase promotion spots.

What does the full schedule look like?

The official 3. Liga calendar lists 38 matchdays. The first half starts on 7 August with the away game in Mannheim, followed by home fixtures against Hoffenheim II, Freiburg (cup tie), Stuttgart II and the listed NRW rivals. The second‑half schedule is expected in March.

How does this affect supporters?

The early away trip to Mannheim gives fans a taste of the campaign. Then three consecutive home games turn the Merkur Spiel‑Arena into a weekly gathering point. The numerous derbies promise packed stands and emotional atmosphere – a clear boost for club identity and the local economy.