The opening round of the 2026-27 DFB-Pokal delivered a dramatic showcase of German cup football, featuring everything from nail-biting shootouts to standout individual displays and close calls for Bundesliga heavyweights. On a day that highlighted the unique magic of the cup, lower-league sides threatened to upset established giants, while top-tier teams were forced to dig deep to avoid early exits.
Match Results
| Home Team | Score | Away Team |
|---|---|---|
 FC Würzburger Kickers | 1 - 2 |  1. Köln |
 SC Verl | 0 - 3 |  Hamburger SV |
 VSG Altglienicke | 8 - 9 |  VfL Wolfsburg |
 Hallescher | 2 - 5 |  FC Schalke 04 |
Perhaps the most thrilling encounter unfolded in Berlin, where fifth-tier VSG Altglienicke nearly pulled off a historic shock against VfL Wolfsburg. In only their second-ever DFB-Pokal appearance, the hosts pushed the Bundesliga side to the absolute limit in a breathtaking 9-8 contest. The back-and-forth battle was a testament to the spirit of the underdogs and the unpredictable nature of knockout football, with Wolfsburg ultimately relying on their experience to scrape through and avoid a colossal upset. The match also featured a poignant subplot, with Germany-born American international John Brooks facing his former club after six seasons with VfL Wolfsburg.
Elsewhere, Schalke 04 were forced to come from behind in a tense 5-2 victory over Hallescher FC after extra time. Despite dominating possession and creating a flurry of chances, Schalke 04 struggled to convert in regulation, and the absence of star striker Edin Džeko in the starting lineup was keenly felt. His later introduction helped tip the balance, as the Bundesliga side eventually pulled clear in extra time to secure their passage to the next round. Hallescher FC departed the tournament with heads held high, having tested their top-flight opponents to the very end.
One of the more convincing performances of the day came from Hamburger SV, who cruised to a 3-0 victory away at SC Verl. Danish midfielder Albert Gronbaek stole the spotlight with a clinical brace, netting in the 41st and 46th minutes, while Louis Lemke added a third just after the break. Hamburger SV’s efficiency in front of goal and strong second-half display ensured their sixth consecutive progression to the second round, while SC Verl's return to the competition after seven years ended in defeat.
Completing the day's action, 1. FC Köln survived a stern test from FC Würzburger Kickers, eking out a 2-1 win. The spirited effort from the underdogs gave the Bundesliga side plenty to ponder, but in the end, 1. FC Köln’s quality saw them through and kept their cup ambitions alive. For FC Würzburger Kickers, the narrow defeat will serve as a source of pride and motivation for the season ahead.
The opening round underscored the enduring drama and unpredictability of the DFB-Pokal, with lower-tier clubs showcasing their ability to compete with Germany’s best. As the tournament progresses, both favorites and dark horses will be looking to build on these early narratives, promising more captivating cup action in the weeks to come.