DFB-Pokal to remain sporting fixture in Berlin

Article posted by Coliseum, February 19^th, 2026

Image: Olympiastadion Berlin, Thomas Wolf, CC BY-SA 3.0 de

“Berlin, Berlin, we’re going to Berlin (Germany)” will continue to be the song of longing for many soccer fans.

‘Berlin.de’ stated that the DFB-Pokal Final (also known as the German Cup Final in English) for Men will remain a sporting fixture in the capital (Berlin) until at least 2030. However, admission of the fans to the 2026 Final is to be better regulated.

The DFB-Pokal, also known as the German Cup in English, is a German knockout football Cup competition held annually by the German Football Association (DFB). ‘Pokal’ means ‘Cup’ in German.

Frankfurt (Germany)-based the German Football Association (DFB) is the governing body of football, futsal and beach soccer in Germany.

Admission situation to improve

“By signing this agreement we are committing to significantly improve the admission situation at the South and East entrances to the Olympic Stadium,” said Berlin’s Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (Christian Democratic Union of Germany [CDU] – a Center-Right, conservative political party in Germany) at the signing ceremony in the Bärensaal of the Senate Department for the Interior and Sport.

The Bärensaal (Bear Hall) is a historic, ornate festival hall located inside the Altes Stadthaus (Old City Hall) in Berlin-Mitte, Germany.

‘Berlin.de’ further stated that after the 2025 Final many Arminia Bielefeld fans complained about the chaotic conditions in front of the South gate and the Marathon gate of the Olympic Stadium.

The DSC Arminia Bielefeld, commonly known as the Arminia Bielefeld or just Arminia, is a German sports club from Bielefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Arminia is best known as a professional football club having competed in the first-tier Bundesliga for a total of 19 seasons. It currently plays in the 2. Bundesliga. The 27,332-capacity Bielefelder Alm in Bielefeld, Germany, serves as their home arena.

The 74,475-capacity Olympiastadion, also known in English as the Berlin Olympic Stadium or simply the Olympic Stadium, is a sports stadium at Olympiapark Berlin in Berlin, Germany. It was originally designed by Werner March (German architect) for the 1936 Summer Olympics. During the Olympics the record attendance was thought to be over 100,000.

More digital and human resources at the entrance

The DFB announced a package of measures – “As part of the extension the infrastructure of the Olympic Stadium will also be further improved. A key component is the expansion of the South entrance to facilitate access for the fans and reduce the waiting time.”

Among the other things there will be improved visitor management, infrastructural adjustments and the targeted expansion of digital and human resources at the entrance. The association will also work with an external partner who will evaluate the measures taken. Many of these have already been initiated and successfully tested at follow-up events.

Improvements also beneficial for Hertha

The Final is one of the sporting highlights of Berlin and has been held every year at the Olympic Stadium since 1985.

Added Andreas ‘Zecke’ Neuendorf, Former Professional Footballer, “People like to come to Berlin for the Cup Final, not just for the 90 or 120 minutes but because Berlin is a very attractive City with a lot to offer. The people come with their friends and family and enjoy this weekend and celebrate soccer.”

Andreas ‘Zecke’ Neuendorf is a former professional footballer and long-serving club icon of the Hertha BSC in Germany where he served in various roles including as a player, Youth Academy Coach, Assistant Coach, and Director.

The Hertha BSC or Hertha Berlin is a German professional football club based in Berlin (Germany). The Hertha BSC plays in the 2. Bundesliga, the second tier of German football, following relegation from the Bundesliga in 2022-2023. The Olympic Stadium serves as their home ground.

The second division soccer club Hertha BSC benefits twice from the extension. The improvements in admission are also likely to help Hertha at its own home games. The Berliners had been advocating such measures for some time.

Wegner avowed Hertha fan

The Hertha fans can continue to dream of a Cup Final in their own stadium. The Berlin professional team has not achieved this since 1985.

“Maybe this year one team won’t have to travel at all but will already be there,” said Mayor Wegner who is an avowed Hertha fan.

Concluded Mayor Wegner, “Then allow me to not be objective as a fan but to keep my fingers crossed especially for the Berlin team.”

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