On Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 13:30 local time, Hamburger SV will face 1. FC Heidenheim in a pre-season friendly at the SV Kematen sports facility near Innsbruck. For HSV, the match is a key test ahead of the Bundesliga restart, while Heidenheim looks to sharpen its edge after dropping into the 2. Bundesliga. Gates open at 11:30, and tickets are available online only.

What’s at stake?

Frank Schmidt’s side arrived in South Tyrol after a 9:0 thrashing of TSV Nördlingen to wrap up its pre-season tour. The final step is a clash with HSV, who bring pace and ambition. League standing: 13th in Bundesliga, 38 pts, 9W-11D-14L from 34 games, recent form DWWLL. Heidenheim uses the game to lock in routines and confirm roles. After relegation, the club needs clarity to bounce back.

For HSV, the focus is fitness and rhythm. Tim Walter’s team lost 2:3 to Rapid Vienna on July 18, 2026, and has only two wins in its last five outings (Recent form (last 5): 2W-2D-1L (LDDWW, most recent first)). Walter wants quick fixes to steady a leaky defense.

Why does the clash matter for HSV?

This Heidenheim test is more than a friendly for HSV. The side is hunting answers after conceding 54 goals this season (Goals this season: 40 scored, 54 conceded (-14 goal difference)). New signings must plug gaps fast. Heidenheim brings Bundesliga-tested names like Marcel Costly, Benedikt Gimber and Marnon Busch, turning the match into a real workout.

Fans are restless. HSV limped through pre-season and sits 51 points behind leaders Bayern München. The Kematen clash is a chance to turn the page before the August 15 opener at Hertha BSC.

What’s next after the game?

HSV’s next stop is the first away trip at Hertha BSC on August 15, 2026. Ticket sales open on July 20, 2026 at 13:00. The club will use lessons from Kematen to tighten the backline and sharpen the attack.

Heidenheim, meanwhile, eyes a return to the Bundesliga. The clash with HSV is a key step to ready the squad for the rigors of Germany’s second tier. Fans hope for a strong season to secure an instant bounce-back.