What to Look Out for in German Football in 2025
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Loading... - Finn Meijer
- 31 Dec 2024
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As the new year approaches, German football is set to deliver an exciting array of events and competitions, both domestically and internationally. Here’s a comprehensive look at what to expect in 2025, including key matches, tournaments, and developments in both men's and women's football.
Domestic Scene: Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal
The Bundesliga will resume on January 10, 2025, following a shorter winter break than in previous years. The title race is heating up, with Bayern Munich currently leading the table by four points. A crucial match to watch will be the clash between Bayern and Borussia Dortmund on April 12, which could have significant implications for the title race. Defending champions Bayer Leverkusen are also in the mix, although they face challenges in replicating their previous season's success. The Bundesliga season will conclude on May 17.
In the DFB-Pokal, the quarterfinals are scheduled for February 4-5 and 25-26. Leverkusen will face a local derby against Cologne, while RB Leipzig hosts Wolfsburg. Third-division team Bielefeld hopes to continue its cup run against Werder Bremen. The semifinals will take place on April 1-2, with the final set for May 24, a week after the Bundesliga season ends.
Major Women's Tournament: Euro 2025
In women's football, Euro 2025 will be held in Switzerland from July 2-27, featuring 16 teams. Germany is placed in Group C alongside Denmark, Sweden, and tournament debutants Poland, whom they will face in their opener on July 4. Under new head coach Christian Wück, the team will compete without the legendary Alexandra Popp for the first time in 14 years, marking a new era for German women's football. Germany aims to improve upon their last performance, where they lost to England in the final.
Champions League and New European Competitions
The Champions League will see German clubs in action with the knockout stages resuming in February. Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Leverkusen, and RB Leipzig will all participate in the knockout playoffs, with the quarterfinals scheduled for March 18-19 and 26-27. The final will take place in Munich on May 31, providing Bayern with a chance to redeem their 2012 final loss at home.
Additionally, the new European competition format introduces two extra group stage games in January. Bayern, Dortmund, Leverkusen, and Leipzig will play Champions League matches on January 21-22 and January 29. Meanwhile, Eintracht Frankfurt and Hoffenheim will compete in the Europa League.
Club World Cup in the United States
In June 2025, the Club World Cup will take place in the United States, featuring 32 teams for the first time. This tournament will run from June 14 to July 13, adding to an already congested schedule. Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund will represent Germany, with Bayern opening against Auckland City on June 15 and Dortmund facing Fluminense on June 17.
National Team: Nations League and World Cup Qualifiers
Germany's men's national team will also be active in 2025, starting with a Nations League quarterfinal against Italy on March 20, followed by the second leg in Dortmund on March 23. The winner will host the Final Four tournament on June 4-5, with the Nations League Final scheduled for June 8.
Should Germany lose to Italy, they will begin their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign on June 6 against Norway. If they win, they will enter a smaller qualifying group starting in September, facing Slovakia, Northern Ireland, and Luxembourg. The final qualifying matches will take place in November, with a chance to secure a spot in the World Cup in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
2025 promises to be a thrilling year for German football, with significant domestic competitions, international tournaments, and the ongoing evolution of both men's and women's teams. Fans can look forward to intense rivalries, emerging talents, and the potential for historic achievements as the season unfolds. Whether it's the Bundesliga title race, the Euro 2025 tournament, or the Club World Cup, there will be plenty to keep an eye on in German football this year.
