Stuttgart and Mainz reach Frauen-Bundesliga

Two newcomers enter the top flight

German women's football welcomes two fresh faces to its premier division next season. VfB Stuttgart and 1. FSV Mainz 05 have both earned direct promotion to the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga for the 2026/2027 campaign - and their paths to the top share striking similarities.

Stuttgart's meteoric rise

VfB Stuttgart's women's section was only established on 31 May 2021, with competitive football beginning on 1 July 2022. In barely four years, the club has stormed through three consecutive promotions, clinching titles in the Frauen-Regionalliga Süd and the 2. Frauen-Bundesliga along the way. The decisive moment came with a victory over VfL Wolfsburg II that sealed their top-flight status, as OneFootball reports.

Former international Fabienne Dongus praised the club's commitment and investment in women's football. A mid-season coaching change proved transformative, sparking five straight wins to wrap up promotion. Key signings Chantal Hagel and Luzie Zähringer bolster an already experienced squad heading into the new season.

Mainz 05's steady climb

Mainz 05's route has been no less impressive. Coach Takashi Yamashita oversaw the transition from TSV Schott Mainz into the club's current setup and guided the side to back-to-back Frauen-Regionalliga Südwest titles. A dominant late-season run confirmed their place in the Bundesliga.

Opening day fixtures set

Stuttgart will face TSG Hoffenheim in their inaugural top-flight fixture, while Mainz 05 open against SV Werder Bremen. Both clubs have moved to strengthen their squads ahead of what promises to be a challenging step up.