The stage is set for another thrilling chapter in one of women's football's fiercest rivalries. Bayern Munich and VfL Wolfsburg are set to clash in the DFB-Pokal Frauen final, and the stakes have never been higher.
Last season, the Bavarians finally broke Wolfsburg's decade-long stranglehold on the competition, lifting the cup for just the second time in their history. It was a landmark moment for a club on the rise, and they've carried that momentum into this campaign. Under coach José Barcala, Bayern not only won the league in his debut season but also pushed deep into the Women's Champions League, reaching the semi-finals. For Wolfsburg, however, the pressure is mounting—they face the very real possibility of ending back-to-back seasons without a trophy for the first time since their historic treble-winning campaign in 2012/13.
The head-to-head record this season tells a clear story. Including the Super Cup curtain-raiser, Bayern have beaten Wolfsburg three times already, with an aggregate score of 11-4. But cup finals have a way of rewriting the script. Wolfsburg have won the previous two finals between these clubs, including a 2-0 victory in the 2023/24 showpiece, thanks to goals from Jule Brand (now at Lyon) and Dominique Janssen (now at Manchester United)—both of whom faced their former club in this season's Champions League.
The RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne has hosted the DFB-Pokal Frauen final since 2010, and it will once again provide the backdrop for this season's decider. The action kicks off on Sunday, with the Frauen-Bundesliga's final matchday games running simultaneously, making for a dramatic conclusion to the women's football season in Germany.
All eyes will be on Wolfsburg legend Alexandra Popp, who is chasing a staggering 14th DFB-Pokal title before her summer move to Borussia Dortmund. The former Germany captain has been included in the squad after recovering from an injury that kept her out for weeks. On the other side, Bayern will be without long-term absentees Sarah Zadrazil, Lina Oberdorf, and Jovana Damnjanovic, while Wolfsburg's Stephan Lerch must manage the continued absences of Kessaya Bussy (knee) and Caitlin Dijkstra (muscle).
Referee Franziska Wildfeuer will take charge of her first cup final, with VAR on hand to ensure key decisions are correct. The predicted lineups promise plenty of firepower: Bayern are expected to field Mahmutovic; Gwinn, Viggosdottir (c), Eriksson, Kett; Amani, Stanway; Dallmann, Tanikawa, Bühl; Harder. Wolfsburg are likely to counter with Johannes; Linder, Kleinherne, Küver, Levels.
With history, pride, and silverware on the line, this final promises to be a fitting climax to an unforgettable season. Get your gear ready—this is one you won't want to miss.