The
DFB-Pokal or
DFB Cup is a German knockout
football cup competition held annually. Sixty-four teams participate in the competition, including all clubs from the
Bundesliga and the
2. Bundesliga. It is considered the second-most important club title in German football after the
Bundesliga championship. The DFB-Pokal is run by the
Deutscher Fußball-Bund (English: German Football Association). The competition runs from August until June. The winner qualifies for the
DFL-Supercup and the
UEFA Europa League unless the winner already qualifies for the
UEFA Champions League in the Bundesliga.