Darmstadt 98 starts preparation for the 2026/2027 season on June 25 with medical tests and performance diagnostics. The first test match is on July 4 against SG Arheilgen. The training takes place in the Odenwald, where the Lilien also want to increase their presence in the region. With various actions and events, the people of the region are to be brought closer to the club. On July 4, the first test for the second-division team is scheduled. At 13:00, the Lilien will play a jubilee match on the occasion of their 150th anniversary against SG Arheilgen. Another test match is scheduled for July 11 against VfR Fehlheim (kick-off 15:00). Three days later (14.7.), the Regionalligist FC Homburg will come to the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor. Kick-off is at 18:00. With the Saarlanders, there are certainly some painful memories, as the SV 98 was eliminated 0:3 in the first round of the DFB-Pokal three years ago. For the fourth and last test before the training camp, the SV 98 will travel again to a Regionalligist on July 17. The opponent this time is FC-Astoria Walldorf (kick-off 18:00).