DFB-Pokal
The DFB-Pokal, Germany's premier knockout cup competition organized by the German Football Association (DFB), features clubs from every tier of German football—from Bundesliga giants to amateur sides. It's renowned for its unpredictability, where underdogs can topple elite teams, producing some of the most thrilling moments in domestic football.
History and foundation
Launched in 1935 as the Tschammer-Pokal under the Nazi regime, it was suspended during World War II and revived in 1952. Iconic upsets define its legacy: Kickers Offenbach's 5-0 thrashing of Bayern Munich in 1972, or Schalke's 2004 loss to second-division Cologne. Bayern Munich leads with 20 titles, their latest in 2021, while finals have witnessed dramatic penalty shootouts.
Tournament format
A straight single-elimination format with 64 teams: no draws, as ties lead to extra time and penalties. Participants include all Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga clubs, select 3. Liga sides, and regional cup winners. It kicks off in August with the first round and culminates in a May final at Berlin's Olympiastadion. The champion earns a Europa League spot.
Interesting facts
Matches average 3.2 goals, fueled by open play from minnows. Top scorers include Gerd Müller (13 goals in the 1960s) and Rudi Völler. Legends like Franz Beckenbauer dominated with Bayern, Thomas Müller shone in finals, and stars such as Robert Lewandowski and Erling Haaland have lit up recent editions, making it a proving ground for Germany's national team talents.