DFB-Pokal entry routes, draw pots and home designation

Find the club’s qualifying route

The DFB format includes teams from the previous Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga seasons, regional association cup winners and qualifying 3. Liga finishers. The DFB describes replacement and additional regional places as well. A regional club’s cup entry therefore has its own route through the association competition.

When a club has moved divisions, separate the season that earned its place from the status used in the draw. The first-round pot rules use the current playing year and name exceptions, including newly promoted 2. Bundesliga clubs placed in the amateur pot for this draw. Read the actual pot assignment if the league label seems to point to a different one.

The draw procedure changes with the round

The first round pairs the designated amateur and professional pots. The first drawn side has home designation. The second round uses two pots and provides a way to draw remaining sides after one pot empties. The round of 16, quarter-finals and semi-finals use one pot, with the published home rule for an amateur side facing a licensed team.

Home designation identifies the side assigned that status. The scheduled venue answers where the game will be played. Once the draw names the teams, use the DFB’s published fixture to confirm the location and kickoff. Its round calendar lists the windows before every individual game has a time.

Follow the accepted winner

Each tie supplies a winner for the next round. If normal time ends level, the DFB format calls for extra time and then a shootout if needed. Record the official winner along with the score and round. A league result between the same sides has its own place in the league programme, so keep the cup label when looking for the next opponent.