The hosts' home streak makes the favorite vulnerable: prediction for Würzburger Kickers vs Köln
Wuerzburger Kickers
The first round of the DFB-Pokal between Würzburger Kickers and Köln will take place on August 24, 2026, at the Flyeralarm Arena. The hosts represent the third division, but they come into this clash riding an impressive home streak, while the Bundesliga side struggled mightily on the road last season.
Würzburger Kickers: strong start and supreme home confidence
Ralf Santelli’s squad kicked off their 3. Liga campaign with four points from two matches, currently sitting in third place. The Kickers are eyeing back-to-back promotions, even though their recent DFB-Pokal campaigns have been far from successful.
The hosts have crashed out in the first round five seasons in a row, but they’ve consistently caused problems for their opponents, scoring at least twice in three of their last four cup matches. Their home form is especially impressive: Würzburger are unbeaten in 16 consecutive official matches on their own turf, winning 12 of them.
Köln: away woes make this a dangerous fixture
Köln finished last season just 14th in the Bundesliga, collecting 32 points - only three clear of the relegation playoff zone. Down the stretch, the team managed just nine points in their final 14 matches, making their survival in the top flight a nerve-wracking affair.
This summer, René Wagner was confirmed as the permanent head coach after serving in an interim capacity. Preseason was promising - four wins and a draw - but the away issues remain: Köln did not win a single one of their last 13 official away games last season.
Match facts
- Würzburger Kickers are unbeaten in their last 16 official home matches, winning 12.
- Köln failed to win any of their last 13 official away matches last season.
- Würzburger have been eliminated in the first round of the DFB-Pokal for five consecutive seasons.
The cup could produce a major upset: prediction for Würzburger Kickers vs Köln
On paper and by squad quality, Köln remain the favorites, but their away record raises serious doubts. The hosts, meanwhile, are in great form and haven’t lost at home in a long time.
If Würzburger can withstand the early pressure, they have every chance to capitalize on the visitors’ struggles and turn this into an open contest. Given the current circumstances, a sensational home victory looks entirely possible.
