DFB-Pokal

The DFB-Pokal is Germany’s annual knockout football cup, featuring 64 teams from across the country. Held from August to May, it brings together clubs from the Bundesliga, 2. Bundesliga, 3. Liga, and regional qualifiers, culminating in a final at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium.

• 64 teams compete, including amateur and top-tier clubs
• Final held at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium since 1985
• Winner qualifies for the UEFA Europa League
• Bayern Munich holds the record with 21 titles
• Matches can go to extra time and penalties

What it is

The DFB-Pokal is the premier German football cup competition, second only to the Bundesliga in prestige. Each year, 64 teams—ranging from the top Bundesliga clubs to regional amateur sides—compete in a knockout format. The tournament is known for its unpredictability, as lower-division teams regularly challenge and sometimes defeat the giants of German football. For clubs and fans alike, the DFB-Pokal is a chance for glory, drama, and the possibility of witnessing a true football upset. The winner earns a coveted spot in European competition, making every match count.

Where it comes from

Founded in 1935 as the Tschammer-Pokal, the competition was Germany’s first national football cup. After being suspended during World War II and disbanded with the end of Nazi Germany, it was revived in 1952–53 as the DFB-Pokal in West Germany. The cup’s format and eligibility have evolved over the decades, with amateur and semi-professional teams joining from 1974, adding to its reputation for surprise results. Since 1985, the final has been held at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium, making it a highlight of the German football calendar.

How it is celebrated

The DFB-Pokal unfolds over several rounds, each a single-elimination match where anything can happen. Early rounds often see amateur teams hosting Bundesliga powerhouses, creating a festive, electric atmosphere in smaller stadiums. Matches are fiercely contested, with extra time and penalty shootouts if needed. The final in Berlin is a grand occasion, drawing fans from across Germany to the Olympic Stadium. Supporters fill the stands with colour, chants, and banners, celebrating their teams with passion whether they are perennial favourites or surprise finalists. The event is broadcast nationally, uniting football fans in anticipation and excitement.

Joining in

To experience the DFB-Pokal as a visitor, the highlight is the final in Berlin’s Olympic Stadium, where fans from both finalist clubs gather for a day of football and festivity. Earlier rounds offer the chance to see big teams play in intimate, local settings, especially when amateur clubs host. Expect lively crowds, local food, and a welcoming atmosphere, whether in a small town or the capital. Tickets for the final are in high demand, but the journey is worth it for the spectacle and the chance to witness football history.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article DFB-Pokal, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• DFB-Pokal on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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