DBU Pokalen

About DBU Pokalen

DBU Pokalen History, Format, Organization, Media Coverage

The DBU Pokalen, more commonly known as the Danish Cup or simply Pokalen, is Denmark’s official annual knockout cup competition. Founded in 1954, the winners of this cup were previously granted a ticket to the UEFA Europa League the following season. However, the champions now qualify for the UEFA Europa Conference League instead following the inception of Europe’s third-tier continental club tournament.

The Danish Cup has undergone format changes throughout the years. Up until 2005-06, the competition held five rounds before entering the quarterfinals, with 64 teams making their entrance in round 1. Pokalen did away with the fifth round the following season and increased the number of participants in round 1 to 88 clubs. Fast forward to 2021-22 and the number of round 1 participants increased even further, this time rising to 92 teams.

The inaugural DBU Pokalen was won by AGF, beating Aalborg Chang 4-0 in the final before establishing themselves as one of the most successful teams in this competition, alongside Danish giants F.C. Copenhagen.