Bayern Munich enters the women’s DFB-Pokal final on May 14 as the clear favorite against VfL Wolfsburg. Here’s a comprehensive guide covering kickoff time, broadcast details, prize money, history, and more.
When and where is the final?
The match between VfL Wolfsburg and FC Bayern Munich is scheduled for Thursday, May 14, at 4:00 PM local time. Since 2010, the women’s final has been held at the stadium in Cologne-Müngersdorf. As of May 11, a limited number of tickets are still available through the DFB ticket portal.
How can I watch or listen live?
The final will be broadcast live on ZDF, with coverage starting at 3:40 PM. For those who prefer audio, the ARD Sportschau offers a live radio commentary.
What is the match format?
If the score is level after 90 minutes, a 30-minute extra time will be played. If still tied, the winner is decided by a penalty shootout.
Which teams qualify for the main round?
All 14 clubs from the 1. Bundesliga automatically qualify, along with 13 teams from the 2. Bundesliga (excluding reserve sides of top-flight clubs). Additionally, the 21 regional cup winners (as long as they haven’t been promoted to the 2. Bundesliga) earn a spot. If a reserve team wins the regional cup, the runner-up takes its place. In 2024, 36 teams entered the first round, with Bundesliga clubs joining in the second round.
What is the prize money?
Beyond glory and the trophy, the winners receive €150,000, while the runners-up get €100,000. Unlike the men’s competition, winning the DFB-Pokal does not grant a place in European competition.
Who are the favorites?
Bayern Munich are the clear favorites. They have already secured the Bundesliga title and are aiming for the double. They won both league meetings against Wolfsburg this season—3-1 away in the first half and 4-1 at home. Wolfsburg currently sit second in the table.
How did each team reach the final?
Bayern Munich have not conceded a single goal in the entire DFB-Pokal campaign. They defeated SGS Essen 4-0 in the semifinal. Wolfsburg’s path was more challenging; they needed a 5-4 penalty shootout win over Carl Zeiss Jena to reach Cologne.
Bayern’s road to the final:
– 1st round: Borussia Dortmund (2-0)
– Round of 16: FC Ingolstadt (3-0)
– Quarterfinal: Hamburger SV (3-0)
– Semifinal: SGS Essen (4-0)
Wolfsburg’s road to the final:
– 1st round: ATS Buntentor (11-0)
– Round of 16: SC Freiburg (3-1)
– Quarterfinal: Eintracht Frankfurt (1-0)
– Semifinal: FC Carl Zeiss Jena (5-4 on penalties)
What does the cup history say?
Bayern Munich have a modest record in the DFB-Pokal, winning only two of their six final appearances—to date in 2011/12 and last year (a 4-2 victory over Werder Bremen). In contrast, Wolfsburg have reached every final from 2014/15 to 2023/24 and are record holders with 11 titles. The two teams last met in the 2023/2024 final, which Wolfsburg won 2-0.
What about Alexandra Popp?
For Wolfsburg legend Alexandra Popp, this final represents her last chance to win a trophy with the club before her move to Borussia Dortmund. Whether the striker can play remains uncertain due to a muscle injury, though she has reportedly resumed training.
Topic tags: DFB-Pokal, Football, Women’s DFB-Pokal, Women’s Football