A dynamic, stylized illustration of the DFB-Pokal trophy gleaming under stadium lights, with a blurred crowd and team flags in the background.
DFB-Pokal: Germany's Premier Football Cup Competition
Overview
The DFB-Pokal (German Football Association Cup) is Germany's premier knockout football cup competition. Organized by the German Football Association (DFB), it features teams from across Germany's football pyramid competing in a single-elimination tournament format.
Tournament Structure
The competition typically involves 64 teams, including:
- All 18 clubs from the previous Bundesliga season
- All 18 clubs from the previous 2. Bundesliga season
- The top 4 finishers from the previous 3. Liga season
- 24 regional cup winners from Germany's 21 regional football associations
- First Round: Drawn randomly with lower-division teams typically receiving home advantage
- Subsequent Rounds: Continue with random draws
- Extra Time and Penalties: Used to decide matches that end in draws after 90 minutes
- Final: Single match at Berlin's Olympiastadion
- Most Titles: Bayern Munich (20 titles)
- Most Appearances in Final: Bayern Munich (24 finals)
- Biggest Final Victory: Bayern Munich 8-0 Borussia Mönchengladbach (1984)
The tournament follows a straight knockout format with matches decided in single legs, except for the final which is played at a neutral venue - traditionally Berlin's Olympiastadion.
Historical Significance
Established in 1935, the DFB-Pokal has a rich history spanning nearly 90 years. The competition is known for its "magic of the cup" atmosphere, where lower-division teams frequently cause major upsets against top-flight opponents.
Recent Champions and Notable Moments
2024-25 Season
VfB Stuttgart claimed their fourth DFB-Pokal title by defeating third-division champions Arminia Bielefeld 4-2 in the final on May 24, 2025. Stuttgart's victory was particularly impressive as they established an early commanding lead through goals from Nick Woltemade, Enzo Millot, and Deniz Undav.
Arminia Bielefeld's journey to the final was historic, becoming the first third-division team to reach the DFB-Pokal final since 2001. Their remarkable run included a stunning 2-1 semi-final victory over defending champions Bayer Leverkusen, showcasing the tournament's capacity for dramatic upsets.
2025-26 Season
The current 2025-26 DFB-Pokal season commenced on August 15, 2025, with the final scheduled for May 23, 2026. Early rounds have already produced notable results, including fourth-tier side FV Illertissen eliminating 2. Bundesliga club 1. FC Nürnberg on penalties after a 3-3 draw.
Competition Format Details
Qualification for European Competition
The DFB-Pokal winner earns automatic qualification for the UEFA Europa League group stage. If the winner has already qualified for the UEFA Champions League through their league position, the Europa League spot goes to the next highest-placed Bundesliga team not already qualified for European competition.
Record Holders
Cultural Impact
The DFB-Pokal holds a special place in German football culture, often providing smaller clubs with financial windfalls and memorable giant-killing moments. The competition's structure ensures that amateur and semi-professional teams get the opportunity to compete against Germany's football elite, creating unforgettable stories and maintaining the tournament's reputation for unpredictability.
The tournament continues to be a vital part of Germany's football landscape, offering clubs of all sizes the chance to compete for major silverware and European qualification while providing fans with some of the most dramatic moments in German football.
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