Freiburg hosts Wolfsburg at the Europa-Park Stadion on October 28

A decisive German Cup clash scheduled at the Europa-Park Stadion

The DFB-Pokal features a round of 32 clash. On October 28, 2026, Freiburg welcomes VfL Wolfsburg to their home ground. This match occurs at the Europa-Park Stadion located in Freiburg, where the home side clearly seeks a win and easy advancement before their local fans.

This key meeting occurs during a critical phase for each team. Freiburg intends to uphold national hierarchy within its own stadium, whereas the traveling Wolfsburg side hopes to secure a surprise victory away from home, notwithstanding their diminished position in German football.

Freiburg's contrasting campaign between European ambition and turbulence

Over the past few weeks, the hosts have demonstrated their value in continental competition. Throughout the spring schedule, the club affiliated with Europa-Park advanced to the Europa League final, only to lose to England’s Aston Villa. In terms of national league performance, Freiburg concluded its most recent season in seventh position with a total of 47 points on the standings.

Finishing in that league position secured the Breisgau team a spot in the Conference League. During that European tournament, they succeeded to eliminate Czech club Jablonec prior to losing to AS Monaco. In the top division, their season began with great momentum, featuring a streak of favorable outcomes, where they allowed just one 2-2 draw on Frankfurt's pitch.

Yet, Freiburg's squad has faced significant hurdles in recent Bundesliga rounds. The side fell to Bayer and then Bayern, suffering two straight league losses. Consequently, Freiburg approaches this fixture amid a negative streak of three consecutive defeats across every competition, a sequence demanding swift correction.

During this DFB-Pokal season, Freiburg impressed in the prior stage by overpowering Fortuna Dusseldorf 5-1. Having racking up five consecutive goals, the Freiburg side allowed merely a goal in consolation late to their opponent near the game's conclusion.

Wolfsburg in search of redemption following relegation to the second division

The sporting scene in Wolfsburg contrasts starkly with that of its next host. When the spring campaign concluded, the Volkswagen Arena-based side ended the Bundesliga campaign in a disappointing sixteenth place. That fragile standing compelled them into a relegation play-off against Paderborn, a contest that concluded with a decisive loss, thereby confirming their drop.

Now competing in the 2. Bundesliga, the squad retains a distinct desire to reclaim top-flight standing, though it finds adjusting to the lower division difficult. Their results stay uneven, evidenced by a 1-1 league draw against Bochum recently.

Wolfsburg came close to an early exit from the German Cup in August. Playing against lower-league Altglienicke, they allowed a dramatic 3-3 draw during regular time, eventually advancing to the subsequent stage solely through a nerve-wracking penalty shoot-out.

Attacking dynamics, key statistics, and head-to-head record

From a statistical perspective, both sides show significant attacking and defensive metrics. Freiburg averages 2.29 goals per game while conceding 1.29 goals per match. Additionally, both squads have found the net in 71% of Freiburg's outings, resulting in an overall average of 3.57 goals per fixture.

Wolfsburg averages 2.56 goals scored against 1.56 goals conceded in each match. In 67% of games featuring this northern German team, both sides find the net, while the mean total reaches 4.11 goals per fixture. During their final three appearances, the Wolves secured only a single win.

Freiburg and Wolfsburg’s prior meetings reveal the home side had secured a three-game winning streak against this rival. However, their latest face-off in May ended in a draw, highlighting the unpredictability of this fresh era.

Probable lineups and tactical setups

Freiburg is anticipated to field a classic 1-4-2-3-1 formation in this knockout match. The predicted starting eleven slots Backhaus between the posts, protected by a back four consisting of Treu, Ginter, Lienhart, and Makengo. In the middle, the duo of Engelhardt and Eggestein would handle ball recovery, backing a trio of Beste, Suzuki, and Sherchant positioned directly behind the center forward Matanovic.

Wolfsburg is expected to deploy a 1-4-1-2-3 tactical system. Zielinski will guard the net, shielded by a defensive line of Wal, Fischer, Mele, and Angely. Vinicius Souza, serving in the role of the holding midfielder, will anchor the middle third ahead of the four defenders, with Gerhardt and Damar operating in the middle lanes. The offensive trio, led by Riese, Glatzel, and Bernhardsson, intends to disrupt the Freiburg backline.

The Europa-Park Stadion setting and regional environment

This German Cup site bears the commercial identity of the renowned leisure destination Europa-Park, situated near Strasbourg. The celebrated theme park provides more than 100 diverse attractions and shows for families during both summer and winter. It further features the Rulantica water world, plus extensive hotel lodging and conference amenities.

At this contemporary stadium, Suzuki and his squad plan to leverage local support to end their three-game losing run and secure passage to the round of 16 of the DFB-Pokal.