FC Bayern vs. 1. FC Köln preview: Emotional farewells and World Cup storylines | OneFootball

It’s the final Matchday of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season and, while many major decisions have already been settled, Bayern Munich’s meeting with 1. FC Köln still promises emotion, excitement and plenty of quality football.

For the hosts, much of the attention will centre around Leon Goretzka. Since news broke that the midfielder will leave Bayern at the end of the season, supporters have shown renewed appreciation for the Germany international, who has been at the club since 2018.

Goretzka is expected to start in what will be his final appearance in front of the home crowd, giving fans the opportunity to properly celebrate his contribution over the past eight years. Bayern are also treating the match as the final rehearsal ahead of next week’s DFB-Pokal final against Stuttgart.

Head coach Vincent Kompany is unlikely to take unnecessary risks with player fitness, though, particularly in a World Cup year, but he will still expect a focused and professional performance from his side as they build momentum for the cup final.

Köln, meanwhile, could also be saying goodbye to one of their standout performers. Saïd El Mala is reportedly attracting serious Premier League interest this summer, and the talented youngster may be making his final appearance for the club.

Whether a transfer materialises remains to be seen, but El Mala will undoubtedly be eager to impress against the German champions - especially with Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann reportedly keeping a close eye on his performances ahead of the World Cup.

Nagelsmann himself recently made headlines after reports emerged that Manuel Neuer had been included in Germany’s provisional 55-man World Cup shortlist. Speculation has since grown over whether the long-time national team captain could follow Toni Kroos’ example and return for one final major tournament.

This fixture could also have marked Neuer’s final home appearance for Bayern, although recent reports suggest the 40-year-old is prepared to extend his stay by another season.

Team news:

Bayern will be without Alphonso Davies and Serge Gnabry, with both players continuing their recovery from injury. Some rotation is expected from Kompany, who could hand starts to departing duo Leon Goretzka and Raphaël Guerreiro - and maybe Nicolas Jackson, too.

Köln, meanwhile, are only expected to miss Ragnar Ache and Tom Krauß, while their defence returns to full strength ahead of the trip to Munich.

Predicted lineups:

FC Bayern (4-2-3-1):

Urbig - Stanišić, Upamecano, Tah, Laimer - Kimmich, Goretzka - Olise, Musiala, Díaz - Kane

1.FC Köln (3-4-2-1):

Schwäbe - Sebulonsen, Simpson-Pusey, Özkacar - Maina, Jóhannesson, Martel, Lund - Kamiński, El Mala - Bülter