Stuttgart has clinched its place in next season’s UEFA Champions League following a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday, May 16, 2026. The Swabians finished fourth in the Bundesliga, securing the final German spot in Europe’s premier club competition alongside Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and RB Leipzig.
Jubilant Stuttgart players celebrate their Champions League qualification. © KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP
How Stuttgart secured their Champions League berth
Stuttgart entered the final matchday of the Bundesliga season locked in a tight battle for fourth place with Hoffenheim and Bayer Leverkusen. Playing away in Frankfurt, the visitors struck early through Chema Andrès (10′) and Nikolas Nartey (45’+4′), only for Eintracht Frankfurt to equalize twice in the second half via Jonathan Burkhardt’s penalties (61′, 78′).
The draw proved enough for Stuttgart to finish on 62 points—one ahead of Hoffenheim, who suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat at Borussia Mönchengladbach, and three clear of Leverkusen, held to a 1-1 draw at home against Hamburger SV. This marks Stuttgart’s seventh qualification for the Champions League, spanning both the modern era and historic European competitions.
Bayern Munich dominates the standings
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich concluded their campaign in emphatic style, thrashing 1. FC Köln 5-1 to secure their 35th Bundesliga title with a league record of 122 goals—including 36 from Harry Kane, who also netted a hat-trick on the day (10′, 13′, 69′). The Bavarians finish the season with Kane leading their scoring charts across all competitions with 59 goals.
Relegation drama in the Bundesliga
At the bottom of the table, 1. FC Heidenheim suffered a 2-0 loss to 1. FSV Mainz 05, while FC St. Pauli were beaten 3-1 at home by VfL Wolfsburg. Both clubs were relegated to the 2. Bundesliga with just 29 points each. Wolfsburg, sitting 16th, will face a relegation playoff against the third-placed team from the second division, with opponents yet to be determined.