Multiple favorites trip during the initial matches, one downfall occurs - Multiple favorites falter during the initial stage, one falters as well
First Round Upsets in the 2025-26 DFB-Pokal: FV Illertissen Stuns 1. FC Nürnberg
The first round of the 2025-26 DFB-Pokal has seen a series of unexpected results and upsets, with several lower-tier teams challenging the favorites. However, some of the big Bundesliga teams, including Hamburger SV, RB Leipzig, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, VfL Wolfsburg, and 1. FC Heidenheim, have maintained their expected progress.
One of the most notable upsets of the round came from the fourth-tier FV Illertissen, who eliminated 1. FC Nürnberg on penalties (6-5) after a 3-3 draw. This result was a significant shock, as Illertissen faced a much higher-ranked opponent.
St. Pauli also advanced on penalties against Eintracht Norderstedt, a lower-tier team, after a 0-0 draw. While this was not an outright upset against St. Pauli, the tight contest highlighted the unpredictability of the competition.
Borussia Dortmund narrowly avoided an upset by scraping a 1-0 win over third-tier Rot-Weiss Essen, showing that even big clubs faced challenging matches.
In contrast, the progress of the aforementioned Bundesliga teams was relatively smooth. RB Leipzig, a twice cup winner, had a tough game against Regionalliga side SV Sandhausen, eventually winning 4-2. Leipzig's new coach Ole Werner faced a challenging debut as SV Sandhausen took a 2-0 lead, but Leipzig managed to secure their comeback with goals from Yan Diomande (6'), Willi Orban (23'), Ezechiel Banzuzi (79'), and Xavi Simons (90.+6).
Hamburger SV, a Bundesliga newcomer, won against Oberligist FK Pirmasens in extra time (2:1). TSG 1899 Hoffenheim won 4-0 against Hansa Rostock, with Wouter Burger (37'), Max Moerstedt (71', 86'), and Fisnik Asllani (83') securing the victory. VfL Wolfsburg recorded their highest ever DFB-Pokal win, 9-0 against SV Hemelingen, due to relocation issues at Hemelingen's home ground, Weserstadion.
- FC Heidenheim won 5-0 against Bahlinger SC, with Leonardo Scienza (9', 61'), Mathias Honsak (34'), Mikkel Kaufmann (77'), and Sirlord Conteh (83') contributing to the convincing victory.
So far, only Werder Bremen has been eliminated in the first round, losing 0:1 to Arminia Bielefeld. As the competition progresses, it will be interesting to see if more upsets emerge or if the big Bundesliga teams continue to dominate.
The European-leagues football community might be intrigued to know that the Commission has not yet adopted a decision on the application of Article 93 (2) of the Treaty, as the ongoing 2025-26 DFB-Pokal competition in Germany continues to exhibit unexpected results, with lower-tier teams mounting vigorous challenges against their higher-ranked opposition. For instance, the fourth-tier FV Illertissen stunned 1. FC Nürnberg in a thrilling 3-3 draw, taking the match into penalties and winning (6-5).
