Can Wolfsburg survive Bundesliga relegation battle in 2026?

All three bottom teams enter the final day tied on points in a historic Bundesliga relegation showdown.

Historic relegation finale For the first time in Bundesliga history, the three teams at the bottom head into the final matchday level on points. Come Saturday evening, two will drop to the second tier while one will face a relegation playoff. Wolfsburg currently sit in the playoff position, three goals ahead of Heidenheim and St Pauli, who are separated only by their goal difference. ## Final day collision course St Pauli will host Wolfsburg in the season finale, with the match available to watch at 14:30 BST. The clash could decide which side faces the playoff and which two face automatic relegation. Wolfsburg have only claimed one win from their last 16 Bundesliga games, adding pressure to their survival hopes. ## Wolfsburg’s fragile form The Wolves have not finished this low in the Bundesliga since 2017-18, when they survived relegation by defeating Holstein Kiel 4-1 over two legs in the playoff. They joined the top flight in 1997-98 and lifted the title in 2009, along with the DFB-Pokal in 2015 and the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup in 2015-16. Their goal difference currently provides a cushion, making a victory over St Pauli likely enough for playoff safety. They have struggled this season, however, with just one win in their last 16 league outings. ## Heidenheim’s late surge Heidenheim sit 17th and will host Mainz in their final game. As recently as mid-March, after losing to Eintracht Frankfurt, they trailed the playoff spot by 10 points and seemed destined for the second tier after three Bundesliga seasons. Since then, they have lost only once in seven league matches, including victories over Union Berlin, Cologne, and St Pauli. If St Pauli and Wolfsburg draw, Heidenheim need only win to secure a playoff spot. ## St Pauli’s survival fight St Pauli sit bottom after a poor run, having won just one of their last 10 Bundesliga matches, a 1-0 away victory at Hoffenheim. Their main problem has been an attacking drought, as they boast the fewest shots in the league and average under a goal per game, scoring 28 times in 33 matches. Playing at home has helped, with 17 of their 26 points earned in front of their own fans. Anything short of a win on Saturday will confirm their drop to Bundesliga 2. ## What each side must do Wolfsburg lead on goal difference and need only avoid a heavy defeat; a win would nearly guarantee their playoff spot unless Heidenheim beat them by four goals more. If Wolfsburg and St Pauli draw, Heidenheim need only win provided Mainz do not also win. Heidenheim must better the result of either rival, factoring in goal difference if Wolfsburg prevail. St Pauli must win and, if Heidenheim also win, need a superior goal difference to reach the playoff. ## How to watch the clash The St Pauli versus Wolfsburg match kicks off at 14:30 BST. Previous encounters this season include Borussia Dortmund 3-2 Eintracht Frankfurt, RB Leipzig 3-1 Union Berlin, and St Pauli 1-1 Cologne.