Werder Bremen have been drawn away to Borussia Dortmund in the second round of the DFB-Pokal. The match will be played on October 27 or 28, 2026, as reported by Sportschau following the draw.
The classic between Dortmund and Werder is the standout tie of the second round. Record champions Bayern Munich also face a trip to second-division side 1. FC Magdeburg. Other intriguing fixtures include the clash between Hamburger SV and Eintracht Frankfurt, and the meeting of SC Paderborn with VfB Stuttgart. For Werder, the draw means a tough but lucrative assignment at the Signal Iduna Park.
What does the cup mean for Werder this season?
The DFB-Pokal offers Werder Bremen a chance for silverware and European qualification this season. The winner of the competition secures a place in the new league phase of the Europa League. Should the cup winner already be qualified for the Champions League or Europa League via the Bundesliga, the spot goes to the next best team in the Bundesliga table. The losing finalist, however, does not benefit from any Europa League qualification. For Werder, who currently sit 10th in the Bundesliga with three points from two games, cup success would be a direct route back to the European stage. The team has scored four goals and conceded five so far.
How high is the DFB-Pokal prize money?
The financial appeal of the competition has increased this season. The total prize money has been raised compared to the previous campaign. Clubs receive around 250,000 euros just for participating in the first round. The overall cup winner can earn up to 13 million euros in total. Revenue from ticket sales and advertising is split between the DFB and the clubs after costs and taxes are deducted. Ten percent of the revenue goes to the DFB, with the participating clubs each receiving 45 percent. For Werder, every round advanced would also represent a financial success.
What are the new rules for the cup?
A significant rule change concerns the video assistant referee. The VAR will be used for the first time in the DFB-Pokal starting from the second round. Michael Ströll, managing director of FC Augsburg, commented on its introduction to Sportschau: "Der VAR sei eingeführt worden, um den Fußball gerechter zu machen." Discussions about referee decisions have since often shifted to the assessments of the video assistant. A serious abolition of the technology is not currently under consideration.
How is Werder preparing for the challenges ahead?
Before the cup cracker in Dortmund, Werder Bremen have important Bundesliga fixtures to navigate. The next match is an away game at 1. FC Köln on September 12, 2026. Coach Ole Werner's team must also manage these tasks with a depleted squad. Currently sidelined are the injured players Felix Agu, Jens Stage, Justin Njinmah, Eren Dinkçi, and Senne Lynen. You can track the latest injury updates on our injuries page. Werder's full schedule is available in our fixtures calendar. The cup tie in Dortmund is scheduled for October 27 or 28, with the round of 16 following on December 1 or 2, 2026.
