German Football Cup

Publication date: 01 Sep 2024

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.

Official DFB website

2025/26 DFB-Pokal

The 83nd season of the German Cup football tournament will begin on August 15, 2025 and end at the end of May 2026. The final match will take place on May 23. 64 football clubs will take part in the cup.

German Cup match schedule

First round: 15-18 August and 26-27 August;

Second round: 28-29 October;

Round 16: 2-3 December;

Quarter finals: 3-4 February and 10-11 February 2026;

Semi-finals: 21-22 April 2026;

Final: 23 May 2026.

History of the German Cup

The first DFB-Pokal took place in 1935 when it was called the Tschammer-Pokal.

Since 1982, the format has changed to a single round of 90 minutes. If no winner is found in that time, extra time is played followed by a penalty shoot-out.

Since 1985, the final game of the tournament has been played in Berlin’s Olympiastadion.

Germany’s most decorated club is Bayern Munich. Bayern Munich is also one of the most awarded clubs in the world.

Previous Cup results

2025/26 DFB-Pokal

Information about the dates and venue of the next German Cup season will be announced later.

Keep an eye on the dates of football tournaments and other events in our Sports Events Calendar.