It’s May 23, 2026, and German football’s biggest domestic stage is set for an absolute blockbuster at Berlin’s iconic Olympiastadion. Bayern Munich — the Bundesliga champions once again under Vincent Kompany — face off against defending DFB-Pokal holders VfB Stuttgart in the German Cup final. This isn’t just any cup tie. It’s a chance for Bayern to complete a domestic double and end the season on a sky-high note.
The Neuer-Sized Hole in Goal
The biggest talking point? Captain and legend Manuel Neuer will miss the final with a muscle problem in his left calf. The 40-year-old veteran, who’s been on fire since returning from retirement, picked up the issue recently and Bayern aren’t risking it — especially with the 2026 World Cup looming large for Germany.
Young gun Jonas Urbig gets the nod between the sticks, with veterans like Sven Ulreich and Jannis Bärtl providing backup. Neuer will still travel with the squad to cheer on his teammates, but this is a massive test for Bayern’s goalkeeping depth. Max Eberl has reassured everyone that the World Cup is “not in danger,” but sitting out the final still stings for the man who’s been Bayern’s wall for over a decade.
Kompany’s Season Verdict
Vincent Kompany has been crystal clear: the season’s success will be judged after this match. After guiding Bayern to back-to-back Bundesliga titles in his first two seasons, the Belgian boss knows a cup win would make this campaign legendary. Losing? It would feel like a missed opportunity despite the league dominance.
The attack remains lethal though. Harry Kane is banging in goals for fun, Jamal Musiala is unplayable on his day, and new additions like Luis Díaz bring flair and firepower. Joshua Kimmich steps up as captain in Neuer’s absence, hungry for his first major trophy wearing the armband.
Stuttgart: The Defending Champs Looking for Revenge
Don’t count out Stuttgart just yet. As defending cup winners, they’ve shown they can mix it with the big boys. They’ve already pushed Bayern close in the league this season, and a cup upset in Berlin would be the ultimate redemption story after finishing behind the Bavarian machine in the Bundesliga.
What’s at Stake?
- A domestic double for Bayern (Bundesliga + Pokal)
- Silverware to cap a dominant season under Kompany
- Pride, bragging rights, and momentum heading into the summer break and World Cup preparations
This feels like the perfect full-circle moment. Bayern started the season by beating Stuttgart in the Supercup — now they want to bookend it with another victory over the same opponent.
The Olympiastadion will be rocking. Fireworks expected. Drama guaranteed.
Prediction? Bayern’s quality should edge it, but cup finals have a habit of delivering shocks. Will Urbig stand tall? Can Kane add to his ridiculous goal tally? Or will Stuttgart pull off a giant-killing?
Drop your score predictions below — is this another Bayern trophy parade, or a night for the underdogs? 🔴⚪️
Let’s gooo! #DFBPokal #MiaSanMia #BayernStuttgart
