Mainz 05 supporters created a vibrant carnival celebration ahead of their Bundesliga away match at Borussia Dortmund. The atmosphere before the game on February 13, 2026, at Signal Iduna Park was defined by the costumed travelling fans, as shown in a picture provided by NurPhoto via Reuters Connect.
The photo, taken by photographer Hesham Elsherif, captures the unique atmosphere Mainz 05 fans create even on the road. The carnival tradition from their hometown was briefly exported to Dortmund. The image with the USN MT1NURPHO000AGAG1Z has a resolution of 5568 x 3712 pixels.
The encounter in Dortmund is now several months in the past. The current 2026/27 season has started for Mainz 05 with one point from one match. Martin Schmidt's team therefore sits in 10th place in the Bundesliga. Their record after the first matchday reads 0 wins, 1 draw, and 0 losses. Their goal difference is even, with 0 goals scored and 0 conceded.
In the title race, Mainz 05 already trails leading teams like record champions Bayern Munich by two points. Their recent form is indicated by a draw (D). The complete current table situation can be viewed on our standings page.
The connection between Mainz 05 and the Mainz carnival is deeply rooted and a hallmark of the club. Fans regularly use matches during the so-called "fifth season" to express their connection to their hometown and their zest for life. This commitment travels with the team throughout the entire Bundesliga.
Such actions strengthen cohesion within the fanbase and create a special sense of identity. They show that football is more than just the result on the pitch. The mood in the stadium is often positively influenced by it, even if the sporting performance on that day in Dortmund may not have been perfect.
The focus is now fully on the upcoming tasks. The next competitive match for the Nullfünfer is already tomorrow, Sunday, September 6, 2026. They will travel for an away game at Hamburger SV, who are currently in 14th place. This match will be an important test in the early phase of the season.
Preparation for this challenge is in full swing. The entire schedule for the coming weeks can be found in our fixtures overview. The team must convert the positive energy from the fans into consistently good performances on the grass to climb the table. A look at the individual player stats can help analyze strengths and weaknesses.
The away game in Hamburg will show if Mainz 05 can approach the first half of the 2026/27 season with more momentum. A success would be an important signal for the entire second half of the campaign.
