FC Bayern München defeated VfL Wolfsburg 4-0 in the final of the 2025/26 DFB-Pokal Frauen, securing their third title in the competition and completing a second consecutive league and cup double. Goals from Georgia Stanway, Pernille Harder, Momoko Tanikawa, and Arianna Caruso sealed the victory for the reigning champions at RheinEnergieStadion in Köln.
For Wolfsburg, the loss marks the end of a dominant era in the DFB-Pokal, having previously won eleven of the last thirteen titles. The match also served as a farewell for club legend Alexandra Popp, who will depart for Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season. Popp has publicly expressed her desire to help the third-tier club return to the Frauen-Bundesliga, marking a significant shift in her career after years of success with Wolfsburg.
The match began with Bayern establishing control, earning an early corner through a Stanway delivery. While Popp initially cleared Harder’s header off the line, Bayern continued to press, creating several opportunities. Wolfsburg struggled to mount sustained attacks, with Lineth Beerensteyn’s efforts often thwarted by Bayern’s defence. In the 25th minute, Bayern were awarded a penalty after Tanikawa was fouled, which Stanway confidently converted, sending Johannes the wrong way.
The second half saw Bayern further solidify their dominance. Harder doubled the lead in the 59th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse, before Tanikawa extended the advantage in the 77th minute. Substitute Arianna Caruso added a fourth goal in the 87th minute with a well-placed free kick, completing the rout. Wolfsburg’s attempts to respond were largely unsuccessful, with Mahmutovic proving a formidable barrier in goal.
This victory underscores Bayern’s position as the dominant force in German women’s football, while Popp’s departure signals a changing of the guard at Wolfsburg. Her move to Borussia Dortmund is expected to have a significant impact on the club’s ambitions to climb back into the top flight. Bayern will look to continue their success, while Wolfsburg will need to rebuild and find new leadership following the departure of their iconic captain. The result confirms Bayern’s status as a European powerhouse and sets a high bar for competition in the coming seasons.
