1. FC Saarbrücken hosts Hertha BSC in the DFB-Pokal 1st Round on 22 August 2026 at the Ludwigsparkstadion. The match kicks off at 15:30. Both teams have six points after two league games, with Hertha as a 2nd-tier side slightly favored, but Saarbrücken still has realistic chances. RTL broadcasts the game free-to-air from 15:00, while RTL+ and Sky Sport offer paid live coverage. The kickoff is at 15:30.

Preparation and Form

Hertha BSC has started the 2nd Bundesliga with a 1:0 win over VfL Bochum and a 4:1 win over Heidenheim. Coach Stefan Leitl stresses that Saarbrücken is a nearly equal opponent. 1. FC Saarbrücken began the third-tier season with a 5:2 win over Rot-Weiss Essen, followed by a 1:0 win at Jahn Regensburg. Argirios Giannikis has made little change in both league games.

Likely Lineups

Saarbrücken may start with Bignetti - Fahrner, Cvjetinovic, Voet, Bretschneider - Gleiber, Sontheimer - Pick, Nankishi - Kühlwetter, Brünker. Brünker scored as a substitute in both league games and could again pressure Hertha’s central defenders. Maurice Multhaup remains unavailable due to injury.

Hertha BSC puts Marius Gersbeck in goal. The defense consists of Julian Eitschberger, Linus Gechter, Niklas Kolbe and Deyovaisio Zeefuik. Midfield features Paul Seguin and Kevin Sessa. In attack, Alexander Staff and Deyovaisio Zeefuik play, with Zeefuik allowed to play in the cup despite a red card.

Broadcast Details

RTL shows the match free-to-air from 15:00. Laura Papendick hosts from Saarbrücken, Max Kruse provides analysis, Kai Dittmann commentates, Max Zielke handles interviews. Sky Sport offers the game on pay-TV. RTL+ marks the stream as premium, requiring a paid package for live sport. Online viewers can use RTL+, Sky Go and WOW. No free video livestream is available, but the Sportschau audio stream can be used.

Match Rules

There is no replay. If tied after 90 minutes, two 15-minute extra-time periods follow, then a penalty shootout. Saarbrücken has home advantage; a Hertha win would be the first home cup win in Saarbrücken. Historically, the record is seven Saarbrücken wins, five draws, and six Hertha wins, almost balanced.

Conclusion

Both teams have started equally after two league games, but Hertha as a second-tier side is slightly favored. Saarbrücken, however, has shown it can produce cup surprises. The kickoff is at 15:30.