Bayern Munich Beat Stuttgart 3:0 to Lift Historic DFB-Pokal Cup

Bayern Munich are back on top of German football’s cup competition after defeating VfB Stuttgart 3-0 in the 2026 DFB-Pokal cup final at Berlin’s iconic Olympiastadion. The victory not only handed Bayern their record-extending 21st German Cup title, but also completed an impressive domestic double after already winning the Bundesliga earlier in the season.

The final was billed as a clash between Germany’s most dominant club and the defending cup champions. Stuttgart arrived with confidence, hoping to retain the trophy they won the previous season, while Bayern entered the match determined to end a six-year wait for another DFB-Pokal triumph. The tension around the occasion was enormous, and for much of the first half, Stuttgart showed exactly why many believed they could pull off an upset.

Stuttgart began aggressively, pressing high and disrupting Bayern’s rhythm. Sebastian Hoeneß’s side created several dangerous moments early on, with Maximilian Mittelstädt and Deniz Undav particularly lively in attack. Bayern looked surprisingly nervous in possession, and the opening 45 minutes ended goalless largely because Stuttgart failed to convert their chances.

But elite teams often need only one moment to seize control of a final, and Bayern found theirs shortly after halftime through Harry Kane. In the 55th minute, the England captain rose above Stuttgart’s defense to power home a header that shifted the momentum entirely in Bayern’s favor. Once ahead, Vincent Kompany’s men began to display the calmness and authority that defined their domestic campaign.

Kane was unstoppable after the breakthrough. He doubled Bayern’s lead in the 80th minute with a composed finish following a flowing attacking move, before completing his hat-trick deep into stoppage time from the penalty spot. The three-goal performance crowned a remarkable season for the striker, who has now scored over 60 goals across all competitions this campaign.

The final also highlighted the tactical discipline that Vincent Kompany has brought to Bayern Munich. After taking charge amid questions about whether he could handle one of Europe’s biggest clubs, Kompany has answered critics emphatically. Winning both the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal in his first season places him alongside elite Bayern managers who delivered multiple trophies immediately. Reports following the final noted that he became the first Bayern coach since Hansi Flick to secure the domestic double.

Beyond Kane’s brilliance, several Bayern players delivered outstanding performances. Joshua Kimmich controlled the midfield during difficult stretches, while Dayot Upamecano produced one of his finest displays in a Bayern shirt, combining strong defending with intelligent ball progression from the back. Michael Olise also impressed with his creativity and movement in attack.

For Harry Kane personally, the night represented another milestone in an extraordinary career. For years, critics questioned whether the striker could win major trophies despite his world-class goal-scoring record. Since joining Bayern Munich, however, Kane has transformed from elite scorer into serial winner. His hat-trick in Berlin may go down as one of the defining performances of his career, especially given the magnitude of the occasion.

The atmosphere inside the Olympiastadion reflected the importance of the event. Bayern and Stuttgart supporters created a spectacular occasion with choreographies, chants, and flares, although the match experienced a brief interruption due to pyrotechnics in the stands. Despite the pause, the energy throughout the stadium remained electric from kickoff to the final whistle.

In the end, Bayern Munich proved why they remain the benchmark of German football. Stuttgart fought bravely and impressed for long periods, but Bayern’s experience, quality, and ruthless finishing ultimately decided the contest. With the Bundesliga trophy already secured and the DFB-Pokal now added to the cabinet, Bayern close the 2025–26 season as domestic champions once again — and with the feeling that a new era under Vincent Kompany may just be beginning.