DFB Pokal (Germany) 2026/27

The DFB-Pokal stands as the primary national knockout cup in German football, organized by the German Football Association. It ranks as the second-most important club title in the country, trailing only the Bundesliga. The tournament traces its lineage to 1935, when it began as the Tschammer-Pokal. After a suspension during World War II, the competition was reinstated in the 1952–53 season under its current name. The DFB officially incorporates the pre-war era into its continuous history, ensuring the records remain unbroken despite the interruption.

A field of 64 teams enters the main draw, comprising all 18 Bundesliga sides and all 18 2. Bundesliga clubs. Additional spots go to the top four teams from the 3. Liga and the winners of the 21 regional association cups. Reserve teams are excluded from participation. The format relies on single-elimination matches, with a distinctive rule governing the first round. Lower-league teams are always drawn at home against higher-league opponents, a structure designed to create opportunities for upsets. Matches that remain level after 90 minutes proceed to extra time and, if required, a penalty shootout.

The final is contested annually at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, a neutral venue utilized since 1985. Victory in the cup secures qualification for the UEFA Europa League. If the winners have already earned a spot in the Champions League through their league performance, the Europa League place is transferred to the next highest-placed Bundesliga team that has not yet qualified. The champions also face the Bundesliga winner in the DFL-Supercup. There is no promotion or relegation linked to the cup; lower-league participants remain in their existing divisions.

Bayern Munich holds the record for the most titles with 21 victories. Schalke 04 achieved the largest margin of victory in a final, winning by five goals on two occasions. Fortuna Düsseldorf previously won the tournament four times in a row. The competition remains distinct from the league structure through its rigid first-round home-advantage rule and fixed final location.