SV Elversberg face their first Bundesliga campaign, adding an unfamiliar opponent to a title race led by Bayern Munich, with Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen still positioned as the principal challengers. The return of Schalke 04 and SC Paderborn increases the league’s narrative depth, but Elversberg’s arrival is the clearest test of how quickly a promoted side can adapt.
In the Premier League, Arsenal begin as defending champions after ending their long wait for the title. Manchester City and Liverpool have strengthened in response, making the champions’ first task clear: convert a breakthrough season into sustained control. Coventry City, Ipswich Town and Hull City will add early-season uncertainty while established squads recover from the World Cup cycle.
Barcelona enter La Liga as two-time defending champions under Hansi Flick, while Real Madrid, now managed by Jose Mourinho, are seeking to respond after consecutive runner-up finishes. Racing Santander and Deportivo A Coruna return through direct promotion, with Malaga completing the promoted group after the play-offs.
In Serie A, Inter Milan carry the scudetto into a season where Juventus, AC Milan and Napoli have all made moves intended to narrow the gap. Venezia, Frosinone and Monza will test those contenders against opponents with less margin for error in the opening weeks.
Paris Saint-Germain remain the team to beat in France after years of domestic control. Marseille, Monaco and Lens are adjusting their tactical plans to challenge that dominance, while Troyes and Le Mans step up from Ligue 2.
The first fixtures will reveal which promoted clubs can exploit delayed international returns, and which title contenders can absorb disrupted pre-season work. The next transfer window may then decide whether early pressure becomes a genuine title race.