FC Schalke 04 Archive

DFB-Pokal: S04 travel to Hallescher FC in the first round

Schalke’s first competitive opponents of the 2026/27 season have been confirmed, with the Royal Blues set to visit Hallescher FC in the first round of the DFB-Pokal. The side finished fourth in the fourth tier last season, qualifying for the competition as Saxony-Anhalt regional cup winners. Halle secured their place by beating Germania Halberstadt 4-0 in the final.

DFB-Pokal

Deniz Aytekin to draw Schalke’s DFB-Pokal first-round opponent

The 32 ties in the first round of the 2026/27 DFB-Pokal will be drawn on Saturday (6/6) from 18:00 CEST. Former DFB referee Deniz Aytekin, who only recently brought his career as a match official to an end, will conduct the draw. During the broadcast, the 47-year-old will determine FC Schalke 04’s first competitive opponent of the new season. The possible challengers from the unseeded pot were finalised last weekend.

DFB-Pokal

Key pre-season dates

After winning the 2. Bundesliga and earning promotion back to the Bundesliga, a number of key dates have been confirmed ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Bundesliga

S04 to face FC Gütersloh in pre-season friendly

As part of their preparations ahead of the 2026/27 season, FC Schalke 04 will face FC Gütersloh in a friendly. The match will take place at the Ohlendorf Stadion im Heidewald on 11th July at 14:00 CEST.

Friendly

Goalless World Cup warm-up against North Macedonia for Katic and Džeko

Bosnia and Herzegovina had two Schalke players in their squad for Friday’s (29/5) friendly match against North Macedonia. Nikola Katic featured in the first half, while Edin Džeko was rested for the 0-0 draw.

Internationals

Soufiane El-Faouzi wins DFL Goal of the Season vote

Soufiane El-Faouzi produced a stunning overhead kick to send Timo Becker’s cross into the top corner away to Elversberg on matchday 29, scoring the crucial equaliser in a 2. Bundesliga top-of-the-table clash that the Royal Blues eventually won 2-1 despite playing with 10 men for more than half an hour.

Inside

Schalke 04 to play friendly in Kassel on 1st August

FC Schalke 04 will face KSV Hessen Kassel in a friendly at the Auestadion on 1st August. Kick off will be at 14:00 CEST.

Friendly

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Dejan Ljubičić: A double title win that will stay with me forever

Dejan Ljubičić has had a unique season, with the midfielder adding two trophies to his cabinet. In an interview with schalke04.de, the 28-year-old discusses his first impressions as a Royal Blue, the game he feels defined the second half of the season and a personal double he will never forget.

Interview

Timo Becker: We never looked for an excuse

As the 2025/26 season finally drew to a close on Sunday (17/5), Timo Becker and the rest of the Royal Blues managed to add another win to their record to bring the points total up to 70 for the campaign. With the confetti now starting to be swept up, Schalke’s vice-captain took the time to sit down with us at schalke04.de and take a look back over a historic year. The 29-year-old revealed some secrets to S04’s success, came up with a personal summary for the season, and confessed which opponent he’s particularly looking forward to playing against in 2026/27.

Interview

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Christopher Antwi-Adjei, Henning Matriciani and Paul Pöpperl officially bid farewell

Ahead of Saturday’s home game against Eintracht Braunschweig (17/5), Christopher Antwi-Adjei, Henning Matriciani and Paul Pöpperl were given an official send-off ceremony before the trio leave S04 this summer.

Team

Royal Blues sign city’s Golden Book as 2. Bundesliga champions

FC Schalke 04’s 2025/26 season officially came to a close on Monday (18/5) with a fitting ceremony. At the invitation of mayor Andrea Henze, the squad were given the honour of signing the city’s Golden Book at Gelsenkirchen town hall as 2. Bundesliga champions and a newly-promoted Bundesliga side.