2026/27 DFB-Pokal Season Launches with New Rules and Exciting Fixtures

The 2026/27 DFB-Pokal season has kicked off with 64 teams from professional and amateur leagues competing for the prestigious German cup. The first round matches are scheduled from Friday to Monday, featuring 30 of the 32 games during this window. Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, both prominent teams, will join the competition later due to their involvement in the Supercup, with their games set for the week following the Bundesliga start.

Broadcasting arrangements include the pay-TV channel Sky showing all matches, while six key games, including the opening match between Hansa Rostock and VfB Stuttgart, will be aired on free-to-air television. Notable fixtures highlight the high-risk rivalry clash between SV Waldhof and 1. FC Kaiserslautern, which demands enhanced security measures due to the historical tensions between the clubs.

Significant rule changes mark this season as video assistant referee (VAR) technology will now be applied from the second round onwards to aid officiating. Additionally, a Multi-Ball-System will be introduced to improve game flow and reduce stoppage times. The German Football Association (DFB) is also unveiling a fresh branding strategy for the competition that emphasizes a vibrant and emotional presentation, including a new logo and ramped-up social media engagement.

The tournament will continue through two additional rounds before culminating in the final at the Berlin Olympiastadion on May 29, 2027. The draw for the second round is scheduled for September 5.