The final international window before the end of the 2025-26 club season is here. For most of the globe's traditional powerhouses, this month is about finetuning ahead of the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. But not every team has the luxury of such forward planning, with several big-hitters still yet to punch their ticket to the tournament.
Nigeria manager Eric Chelle has accused rivals on DR Congo’s coaching staff of “doing voodoo” during a fiery penalty shootout that ended the Super Eagles’ hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup. With emotions running high towards the end of an encounter that finished 1-1 after extra-time, Chelle has insinuated that Congo turned to dark arts in order to prevail.
Bryan Mbeumo cut a heartbroken figure after Cameroon's World Cup hopes collapsed in dramatic fashion, with the Manchester United star storming off alone after a stoppage-time defeat to DR Congo. The Indomitable Lions suffered a crushing 1-0 loss in the CAF play-offs, ending their bid to reach the 2026 tournament and leaving their talisman visibly emotional in the rain.
Bayern Munich are the most successful team in the history of the DFB-Pokal. The Bavarians have triumphed in the competition in 20 times.
How many teams are in the DFB-Pokal?
A total of 64 teams feature in the annual DFB-Pokal competition. The tournament is spread across six rounds to determine the winners. Bayer Leverkusen are the current holders of the title.
Who has made the most DFB-Pokal appearances ever?
Defensive midfielder Miroslav Votava holds the record for most appearances in DFB-Pokal history with 79 appearances.
Who is the all-time top scorer of the DFB-Pokal?
Bayern Munich legend Gerd Muller holds the record for most goals in the DFB-Pokal with an astonishing record of 78 goals in just 62 appearances.
Which famous players have played in the DFB-Pokal?
Marco Reus, Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery, Mats Hummels, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Kevin De Bruyne, Thomas Muller, Gerd Muller, Manuel Neuer, Franz Beckenbauer, and Oliver Kahn are among the most famous players in DFB-Pokal history.
Which famous managers have managed in the DFB-Pokal?
Jupp Heynckes, Pep Guardiola, Julian Nagelsmann, Jurgen Klopp, Thomas Tuchel, Carlo Ancelotti, Peter Bosz, Louis van Gaal and Hansi Flick are some of the prominent managers to have featured in the DFB-Pokal.