About Niederrheinpokal

History, Format, Organization, Media Coverage

The Lower Rhine Cup, known in German as “Niederrheinpokal,” is a football cup competition for German clubs based in the Lower Rhine region of the North Rhine-Westphalia state. Founded in 1980, it provides the champion with a spot in the DFB Pokal, Germany’s top knockout cup competition.

Clubs from fully professional leagues, such as the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga, are ineligible to participate. However, 3. Liga, Regionalliga, and Oberliga sides located in the Lower Rhine region qualify for the Niederrheinpokal directly. Additionally, teams that succeed in the Kreispokale can earn a place in this competition. Note that reserve teams are not eligible to enter.

Rot-Weiss Essen and Wuppertaler SV have been two of the most successful teams in the Lower Rhine Cup, winning nearly half of the first 44 editions of this tournament (11 wins for Rot-Weiss Essen and seven for the latter). Meanwhile, Wuppertaler lifted the inaugural title, beating Kevelaerer SV 1-0 in the 1980-81 final.