Newscenter

Captain Edin Džeko starts as Bosnia and Herzegovina beaten by Switzerland

Bosnia and Herzegovina suffered a 4-1 defeat to Switzerland in their second World Cup group game on Thursday evening (18/6). An eventful finish at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles saw the match get away from them late on.

Internationals

Austria off to winning World Cup start as Dejan Ljubičić remains on bench

Austria made a winning start to their World Cup campaign on Wednesday (17/6), with Ralf Rangnick’s side beating Jordan 3-1. Schalke 04 midfielder Dejan Ljubičić, who was called up shortly before the tournament as a replacement for the injured Christoph Baumgartner, remained on the bench in Santa Clara.

Internationals

Dejan Ljubičić: As soon as I saw the missed call, I had a good feeling

For Dejan Ljubičić, a lifelong dream is finally being realised. The Schalke midfielder has been included in Austria’s squad for the FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the USA. The 28-year-old received a late call-up from Austria head coach Ralf Rangnick following the withdrawal of Christoph Baumgartner due to injury shortly before the tournament began. The nomination is a reward for his consistently impressive performances over recent months for the Royal Blues.

Internationals

Nikola Katic features for full 90 minutes in 1-1 draw against Canada

Bosnia and Herzegovina opened their World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against co-hosts Canada in Toronto on Friday (12/6). This marks the second time that Bosnia have qualified for the tournament.

Internationals

Attacker Junior Adamu joins FC Schalke 04

Junior Adamu is set to add intensity and flexibility to the Royal Blues’ attack after completing a move from SC Freiburg to FC Schalke 04. The 25-year-old, who has won nine caps for Austria, has signed a contract until 30th June 2029. Adamu spent the second half of last season on loan at Scottish giants Celtic, where he celebrated winning both the league title and the Scottish Cup.

Team

Nikola Katic: We’re at the World Cup on merit

The biggest event in world football gets underway in Canada, Mexico and the USA on Thursday (11/6) and Nikola Katic will be a part of it with Bosnia and Herzegovina. In an interview with schalke04.de, the defender spoke about the emotions after qualifying for the World Cup, their opponents in Group B and a childhood dream coming true.

Interview

Dejan Ljubičić added to Austria’s squad on eve of World Cup

Dejan Ljubičić is heading to the World Cup. The FC Schalke 04 midfielder has been called up to Austria’s just as the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the USA is set to kick off. Austria head coach Ralf Rangnick added the right-footed midfielder to his squad on Wednesday night after a place became available following an injury to Leipzig’s Christoph Baumgartner.

Internationals

Schalke 04 sign Satoshi Tanaka

FC Schalke 04 have strengthened their midfield with the signing of Satoshi Tanaka from Fortuna Düsseldorf. The defensive midfielder made 13 appearances for Fortuna in the second half of last season, having previously been under contract at Sanfrecce Hiroshima in Japan until December 2025.

Team

Goalkeeper Loris Karius extends his contract at FC Schalke 04

Loris Karius has signed a new contract at FC Schalke 04, putting pen to paper on a new deal dated 30th June 2028. Karius was a key figure in Schalke winning promotion back to the Bundesliga, with the Royal Blues conceding a league-low 31 goals all season. Karius featured in 30 league matches in 2025/26, keeping 13 clean sheets in the process.

Team

FC Schalke 04 welcomes Blåkläder as its new sleeve partner

Starting with the 2026/2027 season, FC Schalke 04 will welcome the internationally renowned workwear specialist Blåkläder as its new sleeve and main partner. The name of the Swedish brand translates as “blue clothing,” creating a natural connection to the club’s Royal Blue identity. Above all, it is their shared values that matter: rolling up their sleeves, working as a team, and remaining reliable.

Partner

Mika Wallentowitz called up for U19 European Championship

Germany coach Christian Wörns has named Mika Wallentowitz in his squad for the upcoming U19 European Championship. Germany will face Denmark (28/6, 21:00 CEST), hosts Wales (1/7, 21:00 CEST) and Spain (4/7, 15:00 CEST) in Group A.

Internationals

Nikola Katic nets against Panama as Bosnia warm up for the World Cup

The Bosnia and Herzegovina national team drew 1-1 with Panama on Saturday (6/6) in their final friendly before the start of the World Cup.

Internationals

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

20260520-ljubicic-meisterschale-1440×810

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