One week before kick-off, the Rothosen had already sold more than 50,000 tickets sold, according to the Hamburger Abendblatt.
Should the approx. 7,000 remaining tickets also be sold, the Volksparkstadion will be sold out for a friendly for the first time since the anniversary match against FC Barcelona in 2012. Back then, 57,000 spectators poured into the arena. 4.000 FC Copenhagen spectators are expected to travel to the game.
HSV's clash with FC Copenhagen is so much more a friendly. But it also reflects the Rothosen's close ties with Denmark – a connection that stretches back decades.
In total, 14 Danish players have represented HSV. Among foreign nations, only the Netherlands have had more players wear the famous red and white shirt (17).
The four-day training camp in Helsingor at the beginning of July, which marked the start of preparations for the 2026/27 season, was yet another reminder of just how close those ties have become.
"Hamburg and Copenhagen feel like neighbouring cities. I've always been a big fan of the Danish mentality, anyway. There's something special about the Danes – they have a great sense of humour and plenty of fire. I played alongside Thomas Gravesen and Stig Tofting, for example", says former German international and HSV legend Thomas Doll to the club website.
Doll reminisces about when the two clubs faced each other in the 2005/06 UEFA Cup as HSV secured a late victory and progression thanks to a penalty converted by Rafael van der Vaart in the second minute of stoppage time.
"All it takes is the word ‘Copenhagen’ and I can picture the bus and the fans again, or feel the drama of the occasion. It all comes back to me very quickly. "
Given the geographical proximity and the long-standing history between the two countries, HSV have always enjoyed a strong following in Denmark. One particular highlight came in January 1975, when 2,000 Danish supporters travelled to the Hanseatic city for HSV's clash with Borussia Mönchengladbach.
The two sets of supporters also created an impressive atmosphere during the friendly in the Danish capital last year. Around 8,000 HSV fans were among the 23,132 spectators inside Parken.
Danish international striker Albert Gronbaek will miss the game on Sunday as he sustained a muscle tear during the Nations League clash in Oslo against Norway.
The two clubs will face each other at 15.30 CET on Sunday in the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg.