2025/26 DFB-Pokal First Round Matchups Revealed

The first round of the 2025/26 DFB-Pokal has just been revealed, including the complete schedule behind the DFB. Play will consist of 30 matches between 15 and 18 August. The two additional games will be played on 26 and 27 August. These are Bayern Munich and VfB Stuttgart, who begin later because of the Supercup.

There have already been rumours amongst fans about the possibility of upsets. The initial round is the one that brings surprises. There is a chance that smaller division teams can cause the big clubs trouble. It is a knockout cup, and no game is irrelevant. One objective may determine the future of a club.

You can check the full schedule on the Official DFB site.

Highlights to Watch

FC Gütersloh vs Union Berlin (15 August, 18:00 CEST)

This is a fourth-tier team against a team that plays in the Bundesliga. It is an actual David and Goliath game. It is adored by the fans due to the reason that the smaller clubs tend to play without anything to lose. It will be an exciting stadium, and there will be plenty of zeal on the part of the home team.

Bayer Leverkusen vs Sonnenhof Großaspach (15 August, 18:00 CEST)

Leverkusen will be the clear favorites, but the underdog is a force to be reckoned with. The cup matches are always unpredictable. The smaller team has a chance to score if the big team slips up even once. Leverkusen has little time to prove itself.

FC Saarbrücken vs 1. FC Magdeburg (15 August, 18:00 CEST)

Saarbrücken has strong home support and will want to make the most of it. Magdeburg will be a tough opponent. This could be a very close game, with fans likely to see a back-and-forth, see-saw battle.

Arminia Bielefeld vs Werder Bremen (15 August, 20:45 CEST)

Last season, Bielefeld upset Bremen in the cup. The crowd will be lively, and the team will be eager to recreate that magic. Bremen cannot take anything for granted. This could be one of the first surprises of the tournament.

Watch on Tapmad

All games of the first round can be watched live on Tapmad. All the action can be enjoyed in one place by the fans. You can see Bayern, Leverkusen, or Grovel, or one of the smaller teams, striving for an upset. Tapmad captures all the goals, saves, and key moments from start to finish. Whether you cheer for the giants or root for the underdogs, Tapmad has got it all.

Supercup Participants Join Later

Eintracht Braunschweig vs VfB Stuttgart (26 August, 20:45 CEST)

Stuttgart enters here as the reigning cup holder. However, the Supercup delayed their game. Fans can expect a strong showing.

SV Wehen Wiesbaden vs Bayern Munich (27 August, 20:45 CEST)

Bayern kick things off midweek. The champions will be hosted by a smaller club. History shows that smaller clubs sometimes step up to the plate. It will be a game worth following.

Why These Round One Ties Matter

• Upset potential: The early home advantage is given to the smaller clubs. This can spell the difference.
• Match sharpness: The best clubs must discover the tempo as early as the first whistle. No pushovers.
• Local pride: Teams can get the boost of playing in front of their home crowd. The cup games add some special dynamism.

Key Fixtures at a Glance

Date	Match	Time (CEST)
15 August	Gütersloh vs Union Berlin	18:00
15 August	Leverkusen vs Großaspach	18:00
15 August	Saarbrücken vs Magdeburg	18:00
15 August	Bielefeld vs Bremen	20:45
26 August	Braunschweig vs Stuttgart	20:45
27 August	Wiesbaden vs Bayern Munich	20:45

What Fans Need to Know

The leading clubs should balance their squad and keep their players fresh. Every match counts. For smaller teams, this is a chance to shine. A strong performance can build confidence and momentum. The first round often sets the tone for the rest of the season. Fans can expect goals, drama, and maybe a few surprises. This is what makes the DFB-Pokal so thrilling.