DFB-Pokal 2026 First Round: Holstein Kiel, Werder Bremen, and Others Advance with Convincing Wins

The opening round of the 2026 DFB-Pokal saw several notable victories and dramatic moments as teams secured their spots in the second round. Holstein Kiel secured a 2-0 away win against 1860 München, with Phil Harres netting his third goal of the season in the 34th minute and Guillermo Balzi sealing the result deep into stoppage time, according to NDR. Kiel's coach, Tim Walter, made four strategic changes to the lineup, including giving Lio Rothenhagen a start in goal. This win not only brought advancement to the next round but also a prize of €456,377 for Kiel.

Werder Bremen also advanced with a solid 3-0 victory over Lüneburger SK Hansa. Niclas Füllkrug scored on his return by converting a penalty in the 53rd minute. Bremen dominated in front of a sold-out crowd of 29,330 at Millerntorstadion, with additional goals from Jens Stage and Ludovit Reis. Füllkrug modestly commented, “It was maybe not my best game, but I am glad I scored in the end,” highlighting his satisfaction with the performance. Lüneburger’s goalkeeper Arne Exner expressed disappointment but pride in the team's effort.

Other standout results include Hertha BSC and 1. FC Nürnberg advancing through penalty shootouts, with Hertha beating 1. FC Saarbrücken 4-2 after a 1-1 draw and Nürnberg edging out Viktoria Köln 5-4. Hannover 96 dominated SV Hemelingen 9-1, while RB Leipzig dazzled under new coach Martín Demichelis in a 6-0 demolition of Eintracht Trier. Bayer Leverkusen and TSG Hoffenheim also recorded convincing wins, with new signings and coaching debuts making an impact, including Bayer’s 4-0 win against Wehen Wiesbaden.

The first-round matches brought a variety of thrilling moments and showcased both experienced teams and newcomers eager to make their mark in the tournament. Protests against VAR were noted in multiple stadiums, as it was not applied in this round, reflecting ongoing fan debates.

The next round's draw is scheduled for September 5, with teams like Holstein Kiel hoping for favorable home advantages moving forward. The first round underscored the competitive spirit and unpredictability that defines the DFB-Pokal.