Jena, May 23, 2026 – This Saturday, FC Carl Zeiss Jena faces its most important remaining match of the season: In the final of the Thüringenpokal, the Regionalliga side meets ZFC Meuselwitz. In addition to the prestigious title and qualification for the DFB-Pokal, the match is centered around the departure of head coach Volkan Uluç.
- Event: Final of the Thüringenpokal (Thuringian State Cup)
- Match: FC Carl Zeiss Jena vs. ZFC Meuselwitz
- Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026
- Sporting Significance: The winner enters the first main round of the DFB-Pokal
- Main Protagonist: Farewell match for Jena coach Volkan Uluç
FC Carl Zeiss Jena as Favorites
After narrowly missing the championship in the Regionalliga Nordost this season, FC Carl Zeiss Jena is now fully focused on the state cup. Against league rivals ZFC Meuselwitz, FCC enters the match as the clear favorite. The team aims to crown the season with a trophy and secure the economically lucrative entry into the DFB-Pokal.
A Worthy Farewell for Volkan Uluç
For coach Volkan Uluç, today’s final is the last match on the sidelines for the Thuringian side. Uluç, who is among the most successful FCC coaches in recent club history, is to be bid farewell with a cup victory. The team has signaled in advance that they will do everything to ensure a successful departure for their head coach.
Background: The Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld and the Cup
The Thüringenpokal is traditionally played in front of a large crowd. The Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld, idyllically located in the Jenaer Paradies-Gebiet near the Saale, has long provided the backdrop for emotional cup duels. Entering the DFB-Pokal not only secures the state champion an attractive draw against a first or second-division team but also brings important TV and advertising revenue in the six-figure range into the club’s coffers – an essential factor for squad planning for the upcoming season.
Source:
Jena aims to bid farewell to top-five coach Uluc with cup victory | MDR.DE
Transparency Note: This article was automatically generated, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.