About the DFB-Pokal
The German Football Cup (DFB-Pokal) is an annual tournament organized by the German Football Association (DFB), bringing together 64 teams from across Germany. This prestigious competition is the second most significant national football event after the Bundesliga. Clubs from the Bundesliga and lower divisions compete for the DFB-Pokal title, making it highly competitive and thrilling for fans. With a total prize pool exceeding 38 million euros, the DFB-Pokal offers a substantial financial incentive alongside the glory of winning one of Germany’s most revered football trophies.
German Football Cup 2026/27
The 2026/27 German Football Cup (DFB-Pokal) is the latest edition of Germany’s premier domestic cup competition. A total of 64 teams will compete for the trophy and a place in European competitions.
Match Schedule
The main stages of the tournament will take place on the following dates:
- First round: August 21–24, 2026;
- Second round: October 27–28, 2026;
- Round of 16: February 2–3, 2027;
- Quarter-finals: March 2–3, 2027;
- Semi-finals: April 20–21, 2027;
- Final: May 22, 2027.
The final will traditionally be held at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.
History of the German Football Cup
The first edition of the German Cup was held in 1935. At the time, the tournament was known as the Tschammer-Pokal. The modern name, DFB-Pokal, has been used since 1952.
The German Cup is played in a knockout format: teams are paired through a draw, and the winner of each match advances to the next round. Matches are generally decided over a single game. If the score is level after 90 minutes, extra time is played, followed by a penalty shootout if necessary.
Since 1985, the German Cup final has been held at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.
The most successful club in DFB-Pokal history is Bayern Munich. The Munich club has won the competition more times than any other team and is regularly among the main contenders for the trophy.
Results of Previous Seasons
| Season | Country | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2025/26 | Germany | Stuttgart (2:0) Bayer Leverkusen |
| 2024/25 | Germany | Stuttgart (4:2) Arminia |
| 2023/24 | Germany | Bayer Leverkusen (1:0) Kaiserslautern |
In the 2025/26 season, Stuttgart won the German Cup. In the final, the team defeated Bayer Leverkusen 2:0 to claim the national cup.
German Football Cup 2027/28
The next edition of the DFB-Pokal 2027/28 will take place after the conclusion of the 2026/27 season. The exact match dates and list of participants will be announced later. The final is traditionally scheduled to take place in Berlin.
Keep an eye on the dates of football tournaments and other events in our Sports Events Calendar.
