3. Liga: Waldhof Mannheim stun Fortuna Düsseldorf on opening night

Waldhof Mannheim defeated Fortuna Düsseldorf 2-1 in the opening fixture of the 2026/27 3. Liga. The visitors have been actively scouting a new-look team after their unexpected relegation from 2. Bundesliga, but they already see signs that it will not be easy to bounce back.

Düsseldorf did have a solid start before Vincent Thill’s superb strike changed the complexion of the game. Lasse Rieß, who replaced long-time captain Florian Kastenmeier in goal, could’ve had a better chance of saving the long-range effort from the Luxembourg legend with good positioning.

Including the introduction of former BVB II attacker Jordi Paulina, Alexander Ende made three changes at the break. However, Mannheim doubled their lead three minutes after the restart with a debut goal for Julian Ulbricht.

Last season’s tenth-placed team spent the rest of the game defending their slender lead after Düsseldorf found a quick response through ex-Karlsruhe striker Fabian Schleusener. The 34-year-old scored from the rebound after Dutch shot-stopper Thijmen Nijhuis denied his compatriot Steven van der Sloot.

Düsseldorf will host TSG Hoffenheim II next week, while Mannheim prepare for their trip to Rostock. TSG Hoffenheim and Hansa Rostock will lock horns on Sunday in one of the remaining games on the opening matchday of 3. Liga.