Bayern Munich face Salzburg in a mid-season club friendly on Tuesday, marking their first outing of 2026 and a key tune‑up before competitive action resumes.
The German champions enter the new year in outstanding shape after a dominant first half of the campaign, while Salzburg will look to test itself against one of Europe’s strongest sides.
Bayern, coached by Vincent Kompany, have produced a formidable 2025/26 season so far, storming through the Bundesliga without defeat.
They have collected 13 wins and 2 draws from their opening 15 league fixtures, a run that has taken them clear at the summit of the table and underlined their domestic authority.
That sequence included a 4-0 demolition of Heidenheim in their final league game of 2025 and a 3-1 triumph over Sporting CP in the Champions League
Bayern Munich team news
Joshua Kimmich is still managing an ankle issue and remained in Munich to continue his individual recovery work instead of joining full training with the group.
Forward Nicolas Jackson is unavailable as he represents Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations, while full-backs Alphonso Davies and Sacha Boey have both been affected by illness around the turn of the year.
Michael Olise reported late for the first training session of 2026, but there have been no indications from the club or German media of any injury setback or physical problem for the winger at this stage.
There are, however, encouraging developments for Bayern in other areas of the squad. Manuel Neuer is back on the pitch after a recent muscle issue, taking part in tailored sessions as he builds towards full match fitness. Even so, highly rated goalkeeper Jonas Urbig is expected to get minutes between the posts in Salzburg to avoid overloading the veteran before the Bundesliga restarts.
In defence, Japan international Hiroki Ito has returned from a long-term absence and is again in contention, providing Kompany with an additional option at the back for the upcoming run of fixtures.
Bayern Munich predicted lineup
Possible Bayern Munich starting XI: Urbig; Stanisic, Upamecano, Tah, Guerreiro; Goretzka, Pavlovic; Olise, Karl, Diaz; Kane.
When will the match kick off?
The match will kick off at 2pm BST on Tuesday, 6th January.
How to watch Salzburg vs Bayern Munich?
The match from Salzburg will be broadcast live on FC Bayern TV PLUS, which holds the exclusive live streaming rights for Bayern’s friendlies.
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