Pokal defence to kick off on 30th August
RB Leipzig’s first-round tie against Ottensen on 30th August | Rest of the first round to be played a month earlier | Busy fixture list the reason for a later game
Delayed start to the new Pokal campaign
The 2022/23 DFB-Pokal first round will take place between 29th July and 1st August. However, the defending champions, RB Leipzig, will begin their title defence on 30th August (20:45 CEST).
Two games moved
FC Bayern will also play their first-round game at a later date. They will travel to play Viktoria Köln. The reason for these two fixtures being moved is the Supercup.
Two champions to face off
The DFL-Supercup sees the German champions and DFB-Pokal winners face off each year. In 2022, FC Bayern will play RB Leipzig. The match will take place on 30th July in Leipzig, the same weekend the Pokal kicks off.
That’s therefore the reason that Bayern and RBL will have to wait a little longer than everyone else to start their Pokal campaign for the new season.
