The magic of the DFB-Pokal returns this Sunday, ushering in the 2026-2027 German football season with a slate of intriguing first-round clashes. As tradition dictates, the cup’s opening weekend is a stage where lower-league hopefuls dare to dream against top-tier giants, and where established clubs test their mettle in early knockout football. With the dust barely settled from the summer break, anticipation is high—every team knows that a memorable cup run can set the tone for the campaign ahead.
Match Schedule
| Home Team | Kickoff | Away Team |
|---|---|---|
| SpVgg Greuther Fürth 1903 | 11:00 UTC | VfL Bochum 1848 |
| SSV Jeddeloh II | 11:00 UTC | 1. Heidenheim 1846 |
| TSV SCHOTT Mainz | 13:30 UTC | Borussia Mönchengladbach |
| Bahlinger SC | 13:30 UTC | 1. Magdeburg |
| Eintracht Braunschweig | 13:30 UTC | 1. Union Berlin |
| FC Carl Zeiss Jena | 13:30 UTC | SV Darmstadt 98 |
| SV Westfalia 1935 Rhynern | 13:30 UTC | SG Dynamo Dresden |
| VfB 1921 Krieschow | 13:30 UTC | 1. FSV Mainz 05 |
| Rot-Weiss Essen | 16:00 UTC | FC St. Pauli 1910 |
| 1. Phönix Lübeck | 16:00 UTC | SC Paderborn 07 |
| TSV Fortuna 95 Düsseldorf | 16:00 UTC | SC Freiburg |
Among the standout fixtures, all eyes will be on TSV SCHOTT Mainz as they host Borussia Mönchengladbach at the expanded Mewa Arena. The Regionalliga leaders have already shown plenty of early-season form, sitting atop their division, and will relish the chance to topple Bundesliga opposition in front of a passionate, home-leaning crowd. The match promises plenty of drama, with the underdogs buoyed by momentum and the visitors keen to avoid a classic Pokal upset. Similarly, the clash between Eintracht Braunschweig and 1. FC Union Berlin offers a compelling narrative: Braunschweig, battle-tested from early 2. Bundesliga action and guided by Lars Kornetka’s rescue mission last term, look to leverage their competitive edge against a Union Berlin side kicking off their season in the cup. The difference in match sharpness could play a decisive role.
Elsewhere, cup tradition meets opportunity as SpVgg Greuther Fürth 1903 welcomes VfL Bochum 1848, and SSV Jeddeloh II aim for a giant-killing act at home against 1. FC Heidenheim 1846. Both fixtures are shrouded in early-season mystery, with little news on injuries or tactical tweaks, leaving supporters to wonder which teams will find their rhythm first. Bahlinger SC face the formidable challenge of hosting 1. FC Magdeburg, while FC Carl Zeiss Jena look to punch above their weight against SV Darmstadt 98—both ties epitomize the unpredictable allure of the Pokal.
The day’s schedule is rounded out by a host of intriguing encounters: SV Westfalia 1935 Rhynern take on SG Dynamo Dresden, while VfB 1921 Krieschow dream of an upset against 1. FSV Mainz 05. Rot-Weiss Essen lock horns with FC St. Pauli 1910 in a match that could go either way, and 1. FC Phönix Lübeck hope to rise to the occasion versus SC Paderborn 07. Rounding out the day, TSV Fortuna 95 Düsseldorf face the stern test of SC Freiburg, with both sides eager to lay a marker in the opening round.
With limited news on squad changes, injuries, or tactical plans, much of the day’s intrigue rests on how teams handle the pressures of knockout football after the summer reset. As fans across Germany tune in, the DFB-Pokal’s blend of unpredictability and passion is sure to serve up its trademark surprises. Expect drama, determination, and perhaps the first major headlines of the new campaign as cup dreams are kindled across the country.