Jena, 05.04.2026 – The footballers of FC Carl Zeiss Jena host the heavy favorites VfL Wolfsburg this afternoon for the DFB-Pokal semi-final. Despite the clear underdog role of the Thuringian side, national player Janina Minge expects a tough challenge for the defending champions from Niedersachsen.
- Competition: Women’s DFB-Pokal, Semi-Final
- Match: FC Carl Zeiss Jena – VfL Wolfsburg
- Date & Time: Sunday, 05.04.2026, 16:15
- Broadcast: Live on ARD and Sky
Warning of the Jena Bulwark
The roles seem clearly defined before kick-off: here the underdog from Thüringen, currently at the bottom of the Bundesliga table, there the star ensemble of VfL. However, national player Janina Minge made it clear in an interview with the DFB beforehand that such statistics are worthless in cup competitions. “That plays no role at all in a DFB-Pokal semi-final,” emphasized the 26-year-old. The Wolfsburg team may be the favorites, but they are prepared for the task to be uncomfortable.
Minge refers to previous encounters in the current Bundesliga season. Although Wolfsburg won 2:0 and 3:1, the victories required a lot of patience. “Jena stands very well in defense. We first have to crack this defense,” said Minge. Especially the atmosphere in the tight stadium and the unconditional commitment of the FCC women, who according to Minge “will give 200 percent to fulfill their dream and travel to Köln,” are decisive factors.
Wolfsburg’s Hunger for Titles and a Curious Premiere
For VfL Wolfsburg, it is about continuing an unprecedented series of success in the cup. Until the quarter-final exit last year against TSG Hoffenheim, the club had won the DFB-Pokal ten times in a row. This competition is considered the shortest path to a title, which the team is now determined to target again after a somewhat inconsistent season.
Most recently, the Wolfsburg team demonstrated enormous comeback qualities in a 3:3 draw against Union Berlin – a game Minge is unlikely to forget anytime soon. After a red card for their own goalkeeper shortly before the end, the regular field player had to step between the posts herself, as no more substitutions were allowed. This means the national player has now gained experience in all positions, from goalkeeper to striker, in her career.
Background: Cup Fever on the Saale
The local Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld, located directly on the Saale, provides a dense and emotional backdrop for major games, which traditionally demands everything from opposing teams. Women’s football is historically deeply rooted at the Kernberge – the successful structures date back to the traditional FF USV Jena, which now plays under the umbrella of FC Carl Zeiss Jena. Reaching the DFB-Pokal final at the RheinEnergieStadion in Köln, where the final has been held in front of a sold-out crowd for years, would be one of the greatest successes in recent club history for Jena women’s football and a huge boost for the sports city of Jena.
Source:
Janina Minge: “Jena last? That plays no role in a semi-final”
Transparency Note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.