Union Berlin vs Köln Preview: Kickoff, TV and Team News

1. FC Union Berlin vs 1. FC Köln kicks off on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. in Berlin, Central European Time (CET, UTC+01:00), equivalent to 14:30 UTC. The Bundesliga Matchday 8 fixture takes place at An der Alten Försterei.

The teams meet again five days after Köln's 5–0 DFB-Pokal victory. Union now have home advantage and a chance to respond, while Köln are seeking their first away league points of the season. That contrast makes this more than a simple replay of the cup result.

Union Berlin vs Köln: Kickoff and venue

The Bundesliga’s official fixture schedule lists both CET and UTC. Berlin is on standard time for this match, so the difference is one hour.

How to watch or follow the match

For viewers in Germany, Union's official match preview lists DAZN as the live broadcaster. It also identifies rbb24 Inforadio and rbb24 audio coverage, alongside the club's live text commentary.

Outside Germany, check the Bundesliga broadcaster directory for your location, then confirm this specific fixture in the provider's listings. Broadcast rights and subscription access vary by territory; the German listing should not be treated as worldwide coverage.

The official Bundesliga match center provides a separate option for following the buildup, team announcements and live match updates without assuming access to a particular television service.

Recent form: Two different stories

Köln's emphatic cup win is the immediate backdrop, but Union's recent league performances offer a different reference point. Before that defeat, Union had gone three Bundesliga matches unbeaten: a win over Elversberg followed by draws with Borussia Dortmund and Augsburg.

Köln drew 0–0 with Schalke in their latest league outing. Their own pre-match report emphasizes the remaining challenge on the road: they arrive in Berlin still looking for their first away Bundesliga points this season.

The distinction matters. Köln have demonstrated that they can punish this opponent, while Union have recent evidence of greater resilience in league games. Neither trend guarantees how the rematch will unfold.

Team news and confirmed absences

Union Berlin

In its October 31 update, Union confirmed four unavailable players: Felix Uduokhai, Robert Skov, Andrej Ilić and Stanley Nsoki. Those absences leave Mauro Lustrinelli with selection decisions as he seeks a stronger response to the cup defeat.

1. FC Köln

Köln’s October 31 team update ruled out Thijs Dallinga, Ellyes Skhiri, Rav van den Berg and Imad Rondic. The club also said this match comes too soon for Ragnar Ache, while Timo Hübers continues rehabilitation.

These are pre-match availability updates, not confirmed starting lineups. Any later club announcement or official team sheet takes precedence.

What could decide the rematch?

Analysis: Union's response should be judged by their defensive organization rather than intensity alone. Watch whether the midfield and defense stay connected when possession changes, and whether they prevent opponents receiving the ball in dangerous central spaces. A lively opening without that protection would leave the underlying problem unresolved.

Köln's Saïd El Mala supplied two goals and an assist in the cup meeting, according to Union's opponent assessment. Limiting his opportunities is an obvious priority, although focusing on one attacker can create room elsewhere. Linton Maina and Ísak Jóhannesson also scored in that game.

For Köln, the practical test is sustaining attacking threat away from home while handling Union's response. If Union commit more players forward, the visitors may find transition opportunities. If Union instead keep a tighter shape, Köln will need patience rather than assuming the previous scoreline will repeat.

Lineups and matchday information

The Bundesliga's pre-match projections show Union in a 4-2-3-1 and Köln in a 4-4-2. These are predicted formations. The league says confirmed starting lineups are expected around an hour before kickoff: approximately 14:30 CET in Berlin (UTC+01:00), or 13:30 UTC, on November 1.

For ticket holders, Union says both home and away sections are sold out. Gates open two hours before kickoff, at 13:30 CET in Berlin (UTC+01:00), or 12:30 UTC. The club warns of public-transit disruption, closed walking routes and no parking around the stadium; consult its matchday notice before traveling.