© dpa
The men's final remains in Berlin. (Archive photo)
© dpa
The final remains in the capital. (Archive photo)
"Berlin, Berlin, we're going to Berlin" will continue to be the song of longing for many soccer fans.
The DFB-Pokal final (also known as the German Cup final in English) for men will remain a sporting fixture in the capital until at least 2030. However, admission of fans to the 2026 final is to be better regulated.
"By signing this agreement, we are committing to significantly improving the admission situation at the south and east entrances to the Olympic Stadium," said Berlin's Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) at the signing ceremony in the Bärensaal of the Senate Department for the Interior and Sport. After the 2025 final, many Arminia Bielefeld fans complained about the chaotic conditions in front of the south gate and the marathon gate of the Olympic Stadium.
The DFB announced a package of measures. "As part of the extension, the infrastructure of the Olympic Stadium will also be further improved. A key component is the expansion of the south entrance to facilitate access for fans and reduce waiting times," it said. Among other things, there will be improved visitor management, infrastructural adjustments, and the targeted expansion of digital and human resources at the entrance. The association will also work with an external partner who will evaluate the measures taken. Many of these have already been initiated and successfully tested at follow-up events.
The final is one of the sporting highlights of the capital and has been held every year at the Olympic Stadium since 1985. "People like to come to Berlin for the cup final, not just for the 90 or 120 minutes, but because Berlin is a very attractive city with a lot to offer," said Neuendorf. "People come with friends and family and enjoy this weekend and celebrate soccer." Second division soccer club Hertha BSC benefits twice from the extension. The improvements in admission are also likely to help Hertha at its own home games. The Berliners had been advocating such measures for some time.
Hertha fans can continue to dream of a cup final in their own stadium. The Berlin professional team has not achieved this since 1985. Next Tuesday, coach Stefan Leitl's team will host SC Freiburg in the cup quarterfinals and can take a big step toward the final. "Maybe this year, one team won't have to travel at all, but will already be there," said Wegner, who is an avowed Hertha fan. "Then allow me to not be objective as a fan, but to keep my fingers crossed especially for the Berlin team."