DFB-Pokal first round fixtures revealed: full schedule for August–September 2026
DFB-Pokal first round fixtures revealed: full schedule for August 21–24 and September 1–2, 2026, featuring Bayern, Dortmund, Leverkusen and numerous lower‑league hosts.
The German Football Association has confirmed the full DFB‑Pokal first round schedule for the 2026–27 season, with matches set across late August and two additional ties in early September. The draw delivers a classic cup mix of heavyweight Bundesliga clubs drawn away to lower‑division hosts, local encounters and several marquee matchups that will test depth ahead of busy league campaigns. Fans can expect the opening round to run from August 21 to August 24, 2026, with VfL Osnabrück v Bayern München and HEBC Hamburg v Borussia Dortmund set for September 1–2.
High-profile clubs facing away ties
Several of the Bundesliga’s biggest names will begin their cup campaigns on the road in hostile settings that underscore the knockout nature of the DFB‑Pokal. Bayern München travel to VfL Osnabrück in a fixture scheduled for the September block, while Borussia Dortmund visit HEBC Hamburg over the same midweek window. Other top‑flight sides drawn away include Bayer Leverkusen at SV Wehen Wiesbaden and RB Leipzig at Eintracht Trier, offering earlier tests against motivated, lower‑league opposition.
These away ties maintain the tradition that gives smaller clubs home advantage in the first round, and they are likely to draw significant local interest and full stadiums. For the bigger clubs, the matches represent opportunities to rotate squads, blood younger players and manage workloads ahead of European and league commitments. Cup upsets are rare but memorable, and the presence of so many heavyweights on the road increases the chance of surprise results.
Lower‑league hosts and regional clubs in the spotlight
The draw hands several amateur and semi‑professional outfits marquee fixtures that will be season highlights for their communities. Clubs such as SC St. Tönis, SV Hemelingen, VfB 1921 Krieschow and SSV Jeddeloh II will host Bundesliga opposition, guaranteeing larger crowds and national attention. The economic and sporting benefits for these hosts are significant, with gate receipts and exposure providing a major boost to smaller clubs’ budgets.
These ties also underline the DFB‑Pokal’s role in connecting Germany’s football pyramid. Matches like Lüneburger SK Hansa v Werder Bremen and Rot‑Weiss Essen v FC St. Pauli will be fiercely contested, combining regional history with the chance for lower‑league players to showcase their talent on a bigger stage. Organisers and local authorities will be watching logistics closely to ensure safe, well‑managed matchdays.
Notable fixtures and storylines to follow
A number of matchups stand out for their competitive or historical intrigue. Hansa Rostock v VfB Stuttgart and Hallescher FC v Schalke 04 pair established clubs from different tiers and should provide early barsometer tests of pre‑season preparation. The Hamburg region will see two high‑interest fixtures with Hamburger SV traveling to SC Verl and HEBC hosting Borussia Dortmund, offering distinct contrasts in profile and scale.
Other intriguing pairings include 1860 München hosting Holstein Kiel, SC Freiburg visiting Fortuna Düsseldorf, and VfL Wolfsburg traveling to VSG Altglienicke. Each of these ties pits contrasting tactical styles and squad depths against one another, and several coaches may use the cup to experiment while remaining mindful that elimination ends the run immediately.
Dates, format and logistical notes
The main compact schedule for the first round runs from Friday, August 21 through Monday, August 24, 2026, covering the bulk of the 32 standard cup ties. Two fixtures were scheduled separately for Tuesday, September 1 and Wednesday, September 2, accommodating television plans and stadium availability for the Bayern and Dortmund ties. As always, the DFB‑Pokal first round is single elimination, with matches decided on the night via extra time and penalties if required.
Clubs and supporters should expect fixture confirmations for kick‑off times and ticket allocations in the weeks leading up to the scheduled dates. Local policing, transport arrangements and health and safety measures will be finalised by host clubs in coordination with regional authorities to manage larger crowds and potential away supporters.
Broadcast, commercial and fan implications
Broadcasters are likely to allocate live coverage for a selection of the more prominent pairings, with national and streaming outlets sharing rights across the matchdays. High‑profile ties such as Osnabrück v Bayern and HEBC v Dortmund traditionally attract the most viewers, while several regional broadcasters and online streams will carry other fixtures. Sponsors and commercial partners also gain visibility through these early rounds, making the first matches an important commercial showcase.
For supporters, the first round offers one of the best value propositions in German football: high drama, potential giant‑killing and the chance to see top players close up. Ticket demand for lower‑league host venues can outstrip supply, so fans should monitor club announcements for allocation procedures and resale rules to avoid disappointment.
The DFB‑Pokal first round sets the tone for the domestic cup season by combining guaranteed televised spectacles with grassroots narratives that define knockout football. With top clubs drawn away and a long list of compelling ties on the card, the opening weeks of the competition promise drama, upsets and a snapshot of readiness across the German game.
