As the 2025/26 2. Bundesliga season reaches its decisive Matchday 34 on 17 May, Schalke 04 has already secured automatic promotion as league leaders with 70 points from 34 matches. Elversberg sits second on 62 points and needs only a positive result to clinch the second direct promotion spot, while Hannover 96 and Paderborn remain locked in a three-way fight for the final automatic berth and the subsequent promotion/relegation play-offs against a Bundesliga side. Recent form, goal difference, and head-to-head results will determine final positioning among the tightly grouped contenders, with home advantage and squad depth playing key roles in the closing fixtures.