The Bundesliga is back, and reigning champions Bayern Munich begin their title defence with a mouth-watering clash against Stuttgart.
After dominating German football last season, Bayern will be expected to pick up exactly where they left off when they welcome one of the Bundesliga’s most dangerous sides.
Vincent Kompany’s men finished last season as champions and also defeated Stuttgart 3-0 in the DFB-Pokal final before beating Borussia Dortmund 2-1 in the Franz Beckenbauer Super Cup last weekend. That victory gave Bayern their first trophy of the new campaign and ensured they head into Friday’s opener with confidence.
That winning feeling 😍 pic.twitter.com/L7LxSCCNB3
— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) August 22, 2026
But Stuttgart are hardly arriving in Munich simply to make up the numbers.
Sebastian Hoeneß’s side finished fourth last season and boast one of the strongest attacks in the division, scoring 71 Bundesliga goals. Bayern, however, were on another level, finding the net 122 times as they marched to the title.
There is also plenty of history working against Stuttgart. Bayern have lost just once in their last 16 meetings with the Swabians, while the champions have not lost their opening Bundesliga fixture since 2011. The defending champions have also gone 24 years without losing on Matchday 1.
Still, Stuttgart have reasons to believe they can make this uncomfortable. They recovered 20 points from losing positions last season, showing their ability to fight back when games turn against them, while Hoeneß has challenged his players to approach Friday’s game with courage.
Team News
Bayern will be without Musiala and Gnabry, while Karl remains a doubt. Saibari is also progressing towards full fitness, but may not be ready to play the entire match.
Stuttgart will be without Dennis Seimen, Dan-Axel Zagadou, Nikolas Nartey, Justin Diehl and Jeremy Arévalo. Chris Führich is also a doubt, while Luca Jaquez, Ramon Hendriks and Lorenz Assignon have returned to training.
🔴 𝗕𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗦𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗔 𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛 𝗗𝗔𝗬 ⚪
We kick off the new season at 𝗛𝗢𝗠𝗘! 🏟️🔥
🆚 VfB Stuttgart
🏆 Bundesliga
⌚️ 20:30 CET
🏟️ Allianz Arena
📱 #FCBVfB pic.twitter.com/iqaJl1gKhC— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) August 28, 2026
Bayern Munich vs Stuttgart Predicted XI
Bayern Munich Predicted XI:
Neuer; Laimer, Tah, Kim, Stanisic; Kimmich, Pavlovic; Olise, Brown, Diaz; Kane.
Stuttgart Predicted XI:
Bredlow; Vagnoman, Jeltsch, Chabot, Mittelstädt; Prömel, Stiller; El Khannouss, Undav, Tomás; Pejcinovic.
Score Prediction
Bayern Munich 3-1 Stuttgart
