The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) has finalized the promotion/relegation playoff schedule for Dutch amateur football, with the first matches set to begin in late May 2026. Known as the nacompetitie, these playoffs determine which teams from the amateur leagues will earn promotion to the professional Eredivisie or Eerste Divisie for the 2026-2027 season, while others face relegation. Here’s the definitive schedule, key details, and what it means for clubs across the Netherlands.

The KNVB’s official announcement confirms that the playoff structure remains largely unchanged from previous seasons, with regional groups competing for the limited spots available in the professional leagues. This year’s nacompetitie will feature teams from the Topklasse (the highest amateur tier) battling it out against the bottom clubs from the Eerste Divisie, while other regional leagues also have their own playoff pathways.

With the schedule now confirmed, clubs have just over a month to prepare for what could be make-or-break matches. For teams in the Topklasse, success in these playoffs could mean a historic leap into professional football, while relegated clubs will need to regroup for another season in the amateur ranks. The stakes are high, and the drama is set to unfold across the country.

The KNVB’s recent updates indicate that the nacompetitie will follow a structured format:

• Regional groups: Teams are divided into groups based on their geographic location (e.g., West II, Zuid I, Noord).
• Single-elimination rounds: Matches are played in a single-elimination format, with winners advancing to the next round.
• Promotion spots: The number of promotion spots varies by league tier, with the Eredivisie and Eerste Divisie allocating a limited number of places.
• Schedule confirmation: The KNVB has confirmed that the definitive schedule is now available, though some matches may still be subject to minor adjustments due to logistical constraints.

According to the KNVB’s official guidelines, the nacompetitie is designed to provide a fair and transparent pathway for teams to move between the amateur and professional tiers. The process ensures that only the strongest teams from the amateur leagues earn the right to compete at a higher level, while also giving relegated professional clubs a chance to rebuild in the amateur ranks.

How the Nacompetitie Works: A Step-by-Step Guide

The nacompetitie is divided into several stages, each with its own set of rules and implications for the teams involved. Here’s how it breaks down:

1. Regional Grouping and Initial Matches

Teams are grouped based on their regional football associations, such as West II, Zuid I, and Noord. Each group includes teams from the Topklasse and other amateur leagues, competing for advancement to the next round. The KNVB’s regional structure ensures that travel logistics are minimized, making the playoffs more feasible for smaller clubs.

For example, clubs from the Vallei en Rivierenland region (such as TEC and SKV) will compete in their own group, with winners advancing to the national playoffs. Similarly, teams from Friesland and Gelderland have their own regional pathways.

2. Single-Elimination Rounds

Once the regional groups are determined, the playoffs proceed in a single-elimination format. This means that a single loss eliminates a team from contention, adding pressure and excitement to each match. The KNVB has confirmed that the first round of matches will begin in late May 2026, with the final rounds scheduled for June and early July.

The exact dates for each round are still being finalized, but the KNVB has assured clubs that they will receive at least 10 days’ notice before each match to allow for adequate preparation. This includes travel arrangements, player availability, and logistical planning.

3. Promotion to Professional Leagues

The ultimate prize for participating teams is promotion to the Eerste Divisie or, in rare cases, the Eredivisie. The number of promotion spots is limited, with the KNVB allocating:

• Eerste Divisie: Typically 2–4 spots are available for teams from the Topklasse.
• Eredivisie: Promotion is extremely rare from the amateur leagues, but it is not unheard of. The last team to achieve this was FC Emmen, which earned promotion in 2013 after a successful nacompetitie campaign.

For teams in the Topklasse, success in the nacompetitie could mean a historic leap into professional football, where they would face the challenges of higher-level competition, including increased media scrutiny, larger crowds, and greater financial expectations.

4. Relegation and the Amateur Leagues

On the other side of the coin, teams that lose in the nacompetitie may face relegation to lower amateur leagues. For example, clubs that lose in the first round of the playoffs could drop to the Derde Divisie or even further, depending on their league tier. This adds another layer of pressure for teams that are already struggling to maintain their current status.

The KNVB’s competition regulations outline that relegated teams will have the opportunity to apply for a licensing exemption if they meet specific financial and operational criteria. However, What we have is not guaranteed, and clubs must prepare for the possibility of dropping to a lower tier.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Nacompetitie

1. What is the nacompetitie?

The nacompetitie (short for nacompetitie promotie/degradatie) is the Dutch football promotion/relegation playoff system. It determines which teams from the amateur leagues will earn promotion to the professional Eerste Divisie or Eredivisie, and which professional clubs will be relegated to the amateur ranks.

2. How many teams are participating?

The exact number of teams varies by region and league tier. Typically, the Topklasse (the highest amateur tier) sends its top teams, while the Eerste Divisie allocates a few spots for relegation. The KNVB has not yet released the full participant list, but it is expected to include around 30–40 teams across all regional groups.

3. When do the matches start?

The first matches of the nacompetitie are scheduled to begin in late May 2026, with the final rounds taking place in June and early July. The KNVB will provide exact dates closer to the start of the playoffs.

4. How are the groups determined?

Teams are grouped based on their regional football associations (e.g., West II, Zuid I, Noord). This ensures that teams from the same region do not face each other in the early rounds, reducing travel burdens and making the playoffs more logistically feasible.

5. Can a team from the Topklasse be promoted directly to the Eredivisie?

While it is extremely rare, it is not impossible. The last team to achieve this was FC Emmen, which earned promotion in 2013. However, most promotions go to the Eerste Divisie, with only a handful of spots available for the Eredivisie.

6. What happens if a team loses in the nacompetitie?

Teams that lose in the nacompetitie may face relegation to a lower amateur league, depending on their current tier. For example, a Topklasse team that loses in the first round could drop to the Derde Divisie. The KNVB’s licensing committee will review each case individually.