The magic of the DFB-Pokal returns this Saturday, promising drama, upsets, and unforgettable moments as clubs from all levels of German football begin their quest for silverware. The first round always delivers a unique blend of hope and tension, with lower-tier teams relishing a rare shot at top-flight opposition and established sides wary of becoming the next victims of cup folklore. As the 2026-27 season kicks off in earnest, all eyes are on the stories that could define another memorable Pokal campaign.
Match Schedule
| Home Team | Kickoff | Away Team |
|---|---|---|
| SV Wehen Wiesbaden | 11:00 UTC | Bayer 04 Leverkusen |
| FC Energie Cottbus | 11:00 UTC | FC Augsburg |
| FC Viktoria Köln 1904 | 13:30 UTC | 1. Nürnberg |
| Lüneburger SK Hansa | 13:30 UTC | SV Werder Bremen |
| SV Hemelingen | 13:30 UTC | Hannover 96 |
| 1. Saarbrücken | 13:30 UTC | Hertha BSC |
| MSV Duisburg | 13:30 UTC | SV 07 Elversberg |
| FC Erzgebirge Aue | 13:30 UTC | TSG 1899 Hoffenheim |
| Eintracht Trier | 16:00 UTC | RB Leipzig |
| SG Sonnenhof Großaspach | 16:00 UTC | Arminia Bielefeld |
| TSV 1860 München | 16:00 UTC | Holstein Kiel |
Among the day’s most intriguing fixtures, SV Wehen Wiesbaden face the monumental task of hosting Bayer 04 Leverkusen. The 3. Liga side have struggled defensively in early league play and must find new resilience against a Leverkusen team packed with Bundesliga pedigree, including the likes of Mark Flekken, Álex Grimaldo, and Patrik Schick. Meanwhile, newly promoted FC Energie Cottbus look to ride their resurgence as they welcome FC Augsburg, with both teams eager to establish early season momentum—Cottbus from league rhythm, Augsburg from a fresh start.
Elsewhere, the tournament’s spirit of possibility is alive and well. Lüneburger SK Hansa, making their first DFB-Pokal first-round appearance in nearly a decade, face a daunting but inspiring test at home against SV Werder Bremen. The fifth-tier underdogs will hope to take advantage of Bremen’s recent cup woes and turbulent past season. In another compelling storyline, 1. FC Saarbrücken meet Hertha BSC with the visitors set to debut Farid Alfa-Ruprecht, the highly touted winger on loan from Bayer 04 Leverkusen. His integration into Hertha’s system could be decisive as both sides aim for a strong start.
While some ties remain shrouded in uncertainty, anticipation is high across the board. Matches such as FC Viktoria Köln 1904 vs 1. FC Nürnberg, SV Hemelingen vs Hannover 96, and MSV Duisburg vs SV 07 Elversberg offer a classic cup mix of unpredictability and ambition. FC Erzgebirge Aue host TSG 1899 Hoffenheim with an eye on a famous upset, while Eintracht Trier look to channel the Pokal’s reputation for shocks against RB Leipzig. Rounding out the action, SG Sonnenhof Großaspach face Arminia Bielefeld and TSV 1860 München take on Holstein Kiel, with both fixtures set to test the resolve and early season form of all involved.
As the sun rises on another DFB-Pokal campaign, the stage is set for a day of gripping football. Whether it’s the giants asserting their dominance or the underdogs seizing their moment, Saturday’s action promises the kind of stories that make the cup special. Fans across Germany—and beyond—will be watching closely to see who writes the next chapter in this storied competition.