In the capital, dreams are running high ahead of the start of the 2025/26 season! Hertha is set to be promoted in 2026, marking its return to the Bundesliga.
What are the arguments for and against Hertha BSC’s promotion to the Bundesliga in 2026?
Hertha promotion in 2026? Here’s why it can happen!
There are no 2nd Bundesliga promotion predictions in which Berlin’s Hertha is not among the favorites. Even the bookmakers in Germany have the “Old Lady” among the favorites in their promotion betting odds before the start of the season.
And even in the capital, the goal is clear, even if last season was very disappointing with a 11th place finish: The team wants to return to the Bundesliga.
The chances for Hertha’s promotion in 2026 look good in the run-up, especially as the team has been strengthened in defense, midfield, and attack.
The “Old Lady” has been reinforced in central midfield with Paul Seguin (from Schalke) and Leon Jensen (from KSC), while Bayern loanee Maurice Krattenmacher could be the decisive factor in attacking midfield. Up front, Dawid Kownacki (on loan from Werder Bremen) is expected to score the goals that will secure Hertha’s promotion in 2026.
Based on the value of their squads, the “Old Lady” is number two in the second division this season – only relegated Holstein Kiel is slightly better positioned on paper.
With Stefan Leitl, Berlin may also have found the right coach – back in February of last season. After the “Old Lady” had even slipped into the relegation zone at one point, he led the team to a secure mid-table position.
With a full preseason and reinforcements to the squad, things can only get better for Leitl and Hertha.
Another argument in favor of Hertha promotion bets is that there are no clear favorites for promotion this season, unlike last season with 1. FC Köln and Hamburger SV.
And other teams that played at the top last season, such as SV Elversberg and Magdeburg, have had to cope with some serious departures. This could now allow the capital city club to compete at the top.
Why Hertha BSC will not make it back to the Bundesliga
There is a lot of euphoria and expectation in the capital. Despite finishing 11th last season, everyone is talking about Hertha’s return to the Bundesliga. However, it won’t be a walk in the park. Quite the contrary.
The main argument in Hertha’s promotion forecast is the competition. Almost half the league thinks it has a chance of finishing at the top.
In addition to the two relegated teams – Holstein Kiel and VfL Bochum – other big names such as Hannover 96 and Fortuna Düsseldorf are also in contention. SC Paderborn, Darmstadt 98, 1. FC Kaiserslautern and perhaps even Schalke are also likely to join the fray.
There could also be one or two surprise guests in the promotion race. As was the case last season with Elversberg and Magdeburg.
The other promotion contenders are not really weaker than the “Old Lady” on paper – the gap is not so big that Berlin are automatically THE big favorites.
In addition, the high expectations over the course of the season could be a disadvantage – the pressure on Fabian Reese & Co. is huge. At Hamburger SV, we have seen for years that too much euphoria in the promotion battle can also be paralyzing.
