FC Ingolstadt 04 before the last home game: This is how the team stands before the duel with Waldhof Mannheim

FC Ingolstadt 04 goes into its last home game of the season with a sense of achievement. On Saturday, May 16, 2026 (1:30 p.m.), FCI will host SV Waldhof Mannheim. In the 3. Liga table, the roles are clearly distributed before matchday 38: Ingolstadt is in 13th place with 46 points after 37 matches, while Mannheim travels as ninth with 52 points.

Ingolstadt comes into the home game with fluctuating form

A look at the past weeks shows why Ingolstadt is currently hard to pin down. From the last five league games, FCI picked up two wins but also suffered three defeats. Notably, both victories came away from home – there was no home win during this period.

Nevertheless, the team takes momentum with it. On May 9, Ingolstadt won 2:1 at TSV 1860 Munich. Before that, there had been a 3:5 at home against Erzgebirge Aue, and also a 0:1 at home against VfL Osnabrück. Away, the picture was also mixed: after a 1:4 at Rot-Weiss Essen, there was a clear 3:0 at TSG 1899 Hoffenheim II.

The 2:1 in Munich as a signal – and as a mission

The win in Munich was more than just a result: it was an indication that Ingolstadt can respond even after setbacks. This is exactly the mission before the season finale in front of their own fans. Because recent weeks have also shown how quickly games can turn if FCI offers too much defensively – the 3:5 against Aue is symbolic of this.

Over the entire season, this mix of attacking strength and vulnerability is reflected in the statistics: after 37 games, there are 12 wins, 10 draws, and 15 defeats with 60:55 goals (+5). Ingolstadt's games were repeatedly open and high-scoring – alongside the 3:5 against Aue, the 6:2 at TSV Havelse is also one of the most striking results. FCI celebrated its biggest home win with a 4:1 against SSV Ulm 1846 Fußball.

Mid-table duel – Mannheim travels with a cushion

In terms of the table, Waldhof Mannheim goes into the game with advantages: six points ahead, four places higher. For Ingolstadt, the duel is above all a realistic benchmark against an opponent from the upper mid-table region – and an opportunity to correct the recently inconsistent home form.

In the 3. Liga, every point at the end of the season decides the exact placement; at the top it's about direct promotion spots, at the bottom about relegation places. For FCI, this means: Even without a big dramatic backdrop, the last home game can gain sporting and atmospheric significance. If they manage to transfer the energy from the 2:1 at 1860 Munich into their own arena, Ingolstadt can at least finish the season with a convincing home performance – and give the fans a positive final impression.