Bayern Munich Set to Face VfB Stuttgart for Fourth Time This Season in DFB-Pokal Final

Bayern Munich will meet VfB Stuttgart in the DFB-Pokal final for the fourth time this season, as confirmed by multiple sources following Stuttgart’s dramatic semifinal victory over SC Freiburg. The match is scheduled for May 23, 2026, at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, with a 2:00 PM EDT kickoff.

Stuttgart secured their place in the final with a 2-1 extra-time win over Freiburg, courtesy of a late goal from substitute Tiago Tomás in the 119th minute. Tomás came off the bench to score the winner after Maximilian Eggestein had given Freiburg an early lead in the 28th minute. Deniz Undav equalized for Stuttgart in the 70th minute before Tomás struck the decisive goal.

This upcoming final marks the fourth encounter between the two sides in the 2025-26 season. Bayern previously defeated Stuttgart 2-1 in the DFL-Supercup in August, followed by Bundesliga victories of 5-0 and 4-2 over the Swabians.

For Stuttgart, the final represents an opportunity to defend their DFB-Pokal title, having won the 2024-25 edition by defeating Arminia Bielefeld 4-2 in Berlin. That victory earned them automatic qualification for the 2025-26 UEFA Europa League league phase and the right to host the 2025 DFL-Supercup.

Bayern, meanwhile, reached the final by defeating Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 in the other semifinal, marking their first appearance in the DFB-Pokal final since 2020.

The match will be officiated by referee Christian Dingert, who also took charge of the 2025 final. Stuttgart will look to rely on midfielder Angelo Stiller, who was named man of the match in last year’s final and delivered another strong performance against Freiburg, completing 87 of 102 passes and winning all five of his ground duels.

With both teams familiar with each other’s tendencies after three meetings this season, the final promises to be a tactical battle as Stuttgart seeks back-to-back cups and Bayern aims to add silverware to their season.