How Much Are Teams Playing For in DFB-Pokal 2025–26?

All About DFB-Pokal Prize Money and Round-by-Round Earnings

The DFB-Pokal prize money is beyond a bonus. It is a huge revenue source for numerous clubs. Whether it is amateur teams or professionals playing in the Bundesliga, all the teams go out on the pitch with full knowledge of how many points are riding on every round. The prizes increase by the 2025- 26 season, and each round offers a new cash prize. The structure of the complete prize distribution is explained below.

DFB-Pokal 2025–26 Prize Money Overview

The DFB-Pokal prize money is ever-increasing. With more money coming in through TV rights and sponsorship deals, the German FA has been able to bump up the payments on all levels of the competition. The aim is to make the cup an attractive and fair competition for clubs of all sizes.

How Much Does Each Round Pay

Here is a clear breakdown of earnings per round in the DFB-Pokal 2025–26 season.

First Round

• Each team that qualifies receives a guaranteed amount
• Win the match, and you move on with extra cash
• Total payout for winners is around €215000

Second Round

• The prize increases to about €431000 for each winner
• More TV coverage means bigger broadcast revenue
• Clubs can also make extra from full stadiums and media bonuses

Round of 16

• Prize money jumps again
• Winners collect roughly €862000
• By this stage, teams begin to feel real financial rewards

Quarterfinals

• Each quarterfinal winner gets around €1300000
• Even the losing teams still walk away with good money
• The quarterfinal stage is one of the most-watched

Semifinals

• Winning clubs earn about €2600000
• There is also added media and sponsor revenue
• Both winners go on to fight for the cup and the biggest payday

Final

• The winner gets €4200000 in direct prize money
• Runner-up takes home roughly €2600000

In the case of small clubs, it may finance an entire season or stadium renovations. The economic windfall is an addition to the competition earnings in Europe by the larger clubs. There is no empty-handed team in the competition.

Why DFB-Pokal Prize Money Matters

The DFB-Pokal prize money is valued in German football. It lets lower-division clubs dream and expand. It assists in offsetting the costs, travel and player salaries. It also increases the weight of each and every fixture. Such as, a fourth division club winning one that is in the Bundesliga does not automatically translate to the next round. This entails hundreds of thousands of euros as well. This can be utilized in order to upgrade the facilities or sign better players.

Final Thoughts on 2025–26 Prize Distribution

The DFB-Pokal prize money in 2025–26 is one of the biggest in history. With every round, clubs have more to gain. From the first whistle to the final. Each game carries real financial rewards. The structure is clear and fair. And it offers real benefits to every club that competes. No matter the size or budget. Every team is playing for something big this season.