VfB, Freiburg and Mainz face tough challenges in the Europa League - Three Bundesliga clubs advance in UEFA's knockout stages by March 2026
German football continues to make its mark in European competition this season. By mid-March 2026, three Bundesliga sides—Mainz 05, SC Freiburg, and VfB Stuttgart—have all progressed to the knockout stages of UEFA's secondary tournaments. Each club now faces a crucial round-of-16 tie with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.
SC Freiburg and VfB Stuttgart have both secured spots in the Europa League's last 16. Freiburg will travel to Belgium to take on KRC Genk in their first-leg clash. Meanwhile, Stuttgart prepare to host FC Porto at home in their opening match of the tie.
The second legs for both teams are set for next Thursday. A strong performance in these deciders will be needed to book a quarter-final berth. In the Europa Conference League, FSV Mainz 05 are flying the Bundesliga flag. Their round-of-16 campaign began on March 12 with a first-leg meeting against Czech side Sigma Olomouc. A win would keep their European journey alive as they aim for the next stage. All three clubs remain in contention, with their progress reflecting a solid showing for German football in Europe this term.
The upcoming second legs will decide which German teams advance further. Freiburg and Stuttgart must overcome Genk and Porto to reach the Europa League quarter-finals. Mainz, meanwhile, look to finish the job against Sigma Olomouc in the Conference League. The results will shape the final eight of both competitions.
