Mainz to host holders Stuttgart in DFB-Pokal

Mainz 05 will face defending champions VfB Stuttgart at home in the second round of the DFB-Pokal, just days after travelling to Stuttgart in the Bundesliga. The draw was made on Sunday evening at the German Football Museum in Dortmund. The 16 ties will be played on 28th and 29th October 2025.

Board member for sport Christian Heidel reacted to the draw: “A home tie against the holders is of course a hugely attractive challenge for us, and a meeting with an ambitious opponent. We all remember very clearly how powerful the atmosphere in our arena can be under the floodlights, and we want to use that home advantage to reach the round of 16. If you want to compete seriously on three fronts for as long as possible, you have to be ready to take on anyone. After the intense weeks we’ve just had, we’ll allow ourselves a few days to catch our breath during the international break – but we’re looking forward to whatever comes next. We’ve worked hard for this together and we’ve earned it.”