Mainz 05 meets Dynamo Dresden: A cup duel of challenges!

Mainz 05 meets Dynamo Dresden: A cup duel of challenges!

Today, June 15, 2025, the first round of the DFB Cup for the coming season was drawn. In an exciting event at the German Football Museum in Dortmund, it was announced that 1. FSV Mainz 05 would play away against Dynamo Dresden. This encounter, which will take place between August 15th and 18th, marks not only the first competitive game of the 2025/26 season, but also the first duel between the two clubs in this context. What is particularly interesting is that Christian Heidel, sports director of Mainz 05, describes this duel as challenging, but at the same time attractive.

The DFB Cup has been an integral part of German football since its introduction in 1935. Organized by the German Football Association (DFB), the cup is considered the second most important title in German club football after the championship. In this knockout system, top-class teams compete against lower-ranking teams, which creates many surprises. It is not for nothing that this competition is known for the fact that amateur teams also have the chance to compete against the big names in football, such as the current title holders, VfB Stuttgart, or the record winners FC Bayern Munich.

One hundred percent challenge

Christian Heidel is optimistic and notes that it is a first for him personally, as he has not yet been able to experience many stadiums in Germany live. Even though exact dates for the duel have yet to be set, the encounter promises a lot of excitement. The headlines surrounding Mainz will continue on August 21st when the first leg of the group stage of the Conference League is scheduled. This only increases the anticipation of the new challenges.

The special appeal of the DFB Cup goes beyond the playing field. It combines tradition, diverse encounters and a bit of magic for everyone involved, from the players to the fans. The DFB Cup is not only a sporting highlight, but also an economic springboard for many clubs, especially for the amateur teams. Here you can generate valuable income through participation in this national competition.

The path to the title

In order to get into the DFB Cup, the teams not only need skill, but also a bit of luck. Every year, 64 teams take part in the competition, including the best teams from the Bundesliga and 2nd Bundesliga as well as the best qualified teams from the lower leagues. If there is a draw, extra time and possibly a penalty shootout will follow - thrills are guaranteed! Over 4,000 teams have now taken part in this historic competition, starting with the first Tschammer Cup, which was played in 1935. Since 1985, the final has taken place in the impressive Berlin Olympic Stadium, where the champions are crowned.

The DFB Cup has always been of great importance and offers every club the opportunity to present themselves on a big stage. Now it's up to the 05ers to assert themselves against Dynamo Dresden and take the first step towards becoming a potential cup sensation. As always, it will be exciting to see what surprises the new season has in store!

For further information about the fixtures and the course of the DFB Cup, those interested can read here.