Rising favorites 2026: Kiel and Bochum in the fight for Bundesliga!

Rising favorites 2026: Kiel and Bochum in the fight for Bundesliga!

In the 2nd Bundesliga, the tension is in the air, because for the coming season 2025/2026 the promotion opportunities of numerous teams are carefully examined. According to the current analyzes of betting fans, VfL Bochum and Holstein Kiel The hottest candidates who could return to the Bundesliga. With a market value of around 45 million euros, Kiel has the highest value in the league and is traded as an important promotion candidate.

Holstein Kiel, fresh from a chaotic season in the Bundesliga, kept most of his team. Trainer Marcel Rapp, who has a lot of experience in the 2nd Bundesliga, remains in office, which gives the team additional stability. Last year Kiel had to accept a bitter bankruptcy when the last two games led to the descent, but this does not reduce confidence in returning. After the 32nd matchday, the relegation place was tangible and the team is currently proving a strong form of competition.

Bochum: Consistency as the key to success

The VfL Bochum has not experienced any major upheaval after the descent. Trainer Dieter Hecking, who already stabilized the course in November, remains on the list of promotion candidates with a squad rating of 35.30 million euros. Bochum has lost some key players, but returnee Kevin Vogt is seen as an experienced leader who brings a breath of fresh air to the team.

The good mix of talents - like Francis Onyeka and Kjell Wätjen, who were trained and now want to shine on the square - and established forces could make the difference. Hecking has put together a balanced team for the coming season that is ready to fight the ranks.

competition from the second row

The promotion race is not only limited to Kiel and Bochum. According to the reports of the Bundesliga there are other ambitious teams. Fortuna Düsseldorf played constantly in the upper third under coach Daniel Thioune in the last seasons. After a strong fourth place and a relegation, the team has gained the latest growth like Sotiris Alexandropoulos, which reinforced the squad.

The Hertha BSC, a team with a squad rating of 36.50 million euros, also registered their claims. Coach Stefan Leitl really got the club, which had some difficulties last season, properly on course. The return of Fabian Reese, which provides a fresh wind with his goals, was important.

The outsider chance

But not only the favorites are interested in the promotion. The 1. FC Kaiserslautern also has promotion sample, even if their market value of around 22 million euros is as a pursuer lets. Trainer Torsten Lieberknecht not only strengthened the squad by important players like Mahir Emreli, but also compensated for the loss of Ragnar Ache well.

In the analysis of the Market values , the entire league is outstanding: The market value of all 2nd Bundesliga clubs is 423.70 million euros, an increase of 5.4 % in the previous year. The continued competitive league promises exciting duels and unexpected turns.

The promotion season 2025/2026 is just around the corner and every team has its own challenges. Whether Holstein Kiel or VfL Bochum, or an outsider like Kaiserslautern - the fans can look forward to gripping games and exciting fights for the best places!