CS sports channel 'GAORA SPORTS' and video streaming service 'GAORA On Demand' will broadcast and stream the 2026-27 season (starting in August) of the DFB-Pokal, Germany's most prestigious and historic football cup tournament.
Ahead of this, it has been confirmed that a special opening program for the 2026-27 season will be broadcast and streamed on Sunday, July 12.
The DFB-Pokal is an annual knockout football tournament held in Germany, a football powerhouse, from August to the following May.
Established in 1935, it is Germany's most historic and prestigious knockout cup competition. In the first round, lower-ranked teams, including amateur clubs, are granted home advantage, making it a tournament renowned for giant-killing upsets.
Japanese players active in Germany's professional football league, the Bundesliga, also participate in the DFB-Pokal. In the 2025-26 season, numerous top-class Japanese internationals such as Ritsu Doan, Kaishu Sano, Yuito Suzuki, and Shuto Machino took part.
The video streaming service 'GAORA On Demand' will stream all 63 matches of the 2026-27 DFB-Pokal season. Meanwhile, 'GAORA SPORTS' will exclusively broadcast select matches on television, focusing primarily on games featuring Japanese players.
Ahead of the August kickoff of the 2026-27 DFB-Pokal season, 'GAORA SPORTS' and 'GAORA On Demand' will broadcast and stream a special opening program on Sunday, July 12. The program will be available for free on 'GAORA SPORTS' via SKY PerfecTV!—viewable without a subscription to the channel on either SKY PerfecTV! or SKY PerfecTV! Premium services. Additionally, the program will be offered as a free stream for members on 'GAORA On Demand'.
The special program will look back on the achievements of Japanese players in past DFB-Pokal tournaments, preview the upcoming season's highlights and key storylines, and introduce current Japanese players in the Bundesliga. The program will feature Takashi Inui (Vissel Kobe), a former Japanese national team player with Bundesliga experience; Sota Kawasaki (1. FSV Mainz 05), currently playing in the Bundesliga; and Ryo Kaji, a former Japanese international.
Takashi Inui (Vissel Kobe), Sota Kawasaki (1. FSV Mainz 05), Ryo Kaji
Takashi Inui, one of the featured guests, expressed his hopes: 'I want teams with Japanese players to advance all the way to the final.' He passionately described the appeal of the DFB-Pokal: 'Giant-killing upsets are common in the DFB-Pokal. Within Germany, the excitement lies in wondering which team will be the next victim—this unique aspect makes it a special tournament. It’s exciting to watch and anticipate where the next giant-killing will happen.' Sota Kawasaki, a current Bundesliga player, directly answered when asked about the tournament’s greatest appeal: 'The single-elimination format is the biggest attraction.'
Experience the intense drama and tension of knockout football, distinct from league play. Don’t miss this special program, which will undoubtedly enhance your enjoyment of the upcoming DFB-Pokal season!
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《Program Overview》
Program Title
Soccer: DFB-Pokal 2026-27 Opening Special
Guests
Takashi Inui (Vissel Kobe), Sota Kawasaki (1. FSV Mainz 05), Ryo Kaji
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《GAORA SPORTS Broadcast Details》
Broadcast Date and Time
July 12 (Sun) 19:30 JST～
※ Free broadcast on SKY PerfecTV!
※ Re-broadcast available
Program Website
https://www.gaora.co.jp/soccer/4346150
How to Watch
https://www.gaora.co.jp/guide/
GAORA SPORTS is available via SKY PerfecTV!, nationwide cable TV providers including J:COM, Hikari TV, and au Hikari TV Service.
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《GAORA On Demand Streaming Details》
Streaming Start
July 12 (Sun) 19:30 JST～
※ Free streaming for members
※ Available for viewing until Wednesday, June 30, 2027, 23:59 JST
Streaming URL
https://vod.gaora.co.jp/contents/1802
GAORA On Demand is a video streaming service available for a monthly fee of 980 yen (tax included), accessible on smartphones, PCs, and tablets.
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: Event
- Products / services: GAORA SPORTS