The opening round of the 2026-2027 DFB-Pokal delivered a day full of upsets, emphatic victories, and eye-catching performances, capturing the essence of Germany's storied cup competition. With lower-league sides seizing the spotlight and Bundesliga clubs flexing their muscles, fans across the country were treated to a dramatic start that reaffirmed the tournament's reputation for unpredictability and excitement.
Match Results
| Home Team | Score | Away Team |
|---|---|---|
 SSV Jeddeloh II | 5 - 2 |  1. Heidenheim 1846 |
 SpVgg Greuther Fürth 1903 | 1 - 2 |  VfL Bochum 1848 |
 Bahlinger SC | 0 - 4 |  1. Magdeburg |
 Eintracht Braunschweig | 2 - 4 |  1. Union Berlin |
 FC Carl Zeiss Jena | 1 - 2 |  SV Darmstadt 98 |
 SV Westfalia 1935 Rhynern | 0 - 6 |  SG Dynamo Dresden |
 TSV SCHOTT Mainz | 0 - 5 |  Borussia Mönchengladbach |
| 0 - 9 |  1. FSV Mainz 05 | |
 1. Phönix Lübeck | 2 - 4 |  SC Paderborn 07 |
 Rot-Weiss Essen | 2 - 0 |  FC St. Pauli 1910 |
 TSV Fortuna 95 Düsseldorf | 1 - 5 |  SC Freiburg |
The headline shock of the day came as SSV Jeddeloh II produced a stunning upset, dismantling 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 5-2. The home side, heavy underdogs against second-division opposition, played with relentless energy and clinical finishing, booking their spot in the next round and sending a clear message that no favorite is safe in the DFB-Pokal. Another notable upset saw Rot-Weiss Essen dispatch FC St. Pauli 1910 2-0, overcoming higher-tier opposition and keeping the cup magic alive for their supporters.
Bundesliga sides largely lived up to expectations, with several posting dominant scorelines. 1. FSV Mainz 05 delivered the most emphatic performance of the round, routing VfB 1921 Krieschow 9-0 in a one-sided affair that showcased the gulf in class between the teams. Borussia Mönchengladbach also impressed, cruising past TSV SCHOTT Mainz 5-0. The presence of Japanese international Daiki Hashioka was a notable storyline for Gladbach; while not individually highlighted in the reports, his experience adds a new dimension to their defensive setup this season. SC Freiburg kept transfer rumors at bay, brushing aside TSV Fortuna 95 Düsseldorf 5-1 despite ongoing speculation regarding their left-back Jordy Makengo.
Elsewhere, SG Dynamo Dresden and 1. FC Magdeburg advanced in style, recording commanding away wins of 6-0 and 4-0 over SV Westfalia 1935 Rhynern and Bahlinger SC respectively. 1. FC Union Berlin made clear their ambition for a deep cup run, outgunning Eintracht Braunschweig 4-2 in an entertaining contest that highlighted their attacking depth. Meanwhile, SC Paderborn 07 and VfL Bochum 1848 held off spirited challenges from lower-league hosts, with Paderborn winning 4-2 against 1. FC Phönix Lübeck and Bochum edging SpVgg Greuther Fürth 1903 2-1.
A notable theme throughout the day was the relentless attacking intent displayed by many sides—five teams scored four or more goals, underlining both the quality gap in some fixtures and the willingness of favorites to make early statements. At the same time, the cup's enduring charm was on display as underdogs like SSV Jeddeloh II and Rot-Weiss Essen proved that anything is possible in knockout football.
As the dust settles on a goal-laden and unpredictable opening round, the DFB-Pokal has already delivered on its promise of drama and excitement. With giants humbled and favorites safely through, the stage is set for even more intrigue as the competition moves forward, keeping fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter of cup action.