Prediction for Hansa vs Stuttgart: The DFB-Pokal heats up - 21.08.2026
Hansa Rostock
On August 21, Hansa will host Stuttgart on their home turf in the first round of the DFB-Pokal. The clash at the Ostseestadion is set to kick off at 20:45 local time. For the hosts, it’s a perfect opportunity to test themselves against a Bundesliga side, while for the visitors, it’s the first official match of the season and a chance to start the new campaign with a victory.
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Hansa approaches this game already with some official match practice under their belt. Rostock kicked off their 3. Liga season and on August 9 snatched a 3-2 away win over Hoffenheim II. On August 16, the team was due to play a home fixture against Waldhof, so heading into the cup tie the hosts will have another competitive outing in their legs. However, the tight schedule could also work against Hansa, with only a few days to recover after the league fixture.
But the Rostock club has a key trump card—their home ground. Matches at the Ostseestadion are always played in a highly charged atmosphere, and the arrival of a club like Stuttgart is sure to fire up the stands even more. In cup ties like this, the support of the fans can truly help the underdog withstand the pressure from the favorite.
Stuttgart finds itself in a completely different situation. Sebastian Hoeneß’s team hasn’t played any official matches this season yet, so this cup encounter in Rostock will be their first real test. Their final stage of preparation was a mixed bag: on August 8, the Swabians defeated Everton 3-1, but on August 15 they lost 0-1 to Fulham. Still, the coaching staff gleaned valuable insights into the team’s issues both off the ball and in possession.
In terms of squad depth and individual quality, though, the advantage clearly lies with the visitors. Stuttgart continues to strengthen ahead of the new campaign, with one of the standout signings being striker Dzenan Pejcinovic, who arrived from Wolfsburg. At the same time, the team retains its familiar leaders, players capable of deciding a match with a moment of brilliance.
Interestingly, these sides have crossed paths in the DFB-Pokal quite recently. In 2018, 2019, and 2020, they met in the tournament’s first round, and each time Stuttgart came out on top—three consecutive wins, all by the same 1-0 scoreline. This time, though, the situation is a bit different: Hansa is playing in the 3. Liga and already has some match rhythm, while Stuttgart is just starting their official season.
So I wouldn’t expect an easy ride for the favorites here. Stuttgart is objectively stronger and should control possession, attack more, and create more chances. But the first official game of the season, playing away, and the raucous home crowd could all pose problems. For Hansa, it’s crucial to stay compact for as long as possible and avoid conceding early on.
All in all, it’s a classic cup tie: the favorite against a fired-up underdog playing at home and already getting a taste of competitive football. I think Stuttgart will ultimately show their class and advance, but I don’t expect a walk in the park for Hoeneß’s men.
My prediction: both teams to score – yes.
