PEC Zwolle vs AFC Ajax tickets for the Eredivisie opener at MAC3PARK stadion in Zwolle and fan travel guide

PEC Zwolle and Ajax open the new season in Zwolle

PEC Zwolle and AFC Ajax meet in the first round of the 2026/2027 Eredivisie season at the stadium currently called MAC3PARK stadium in the club's communications, at Stadionplein 1 in Zwolle. The venue was previously named IJsseldelta Stadion, so both names may still appear in schedules, event databases and older guides.

For the home side, this is an opportunity to begin the new season with a result that would immediately boost the confidence of the team and the supporters in the stands. For Ajax, the away match is the first league test under Míchel Sánchez, a coach appointed with the clear task of making the team a contender for trophies again. The difference in expectations is considerable, but no advantage has already been won before the opening round: both teams begin with zero points, while early-season nervousness often reduces the difference that exists on paper.

The match is attracting additional attention because Ajax travel to Zwolle in the middle of a congested schedule. The Amsterdam team play a European qualifying match against Shelbourne FC on Thursday evening and return to the pitch against PEC Zwolle as early as Sunday afternoon. The hosts can therefore expect an opponent who will need to manage the energy and playing time of key players carefully. Tickets for this match are in demand among supporters, especially because it is the opening fixture of the league season.

Ajax arrive with a new coach and a clear playing philosophy

Míchel Sánchez signed a contract with Ajax until the summer of 2028. His teams in Spain were recognisable for long periods of possession, short passing and attempts to win the ball high in the opposition half. In the season in which Girona FC finished among the leading teams in the Spanish league, Míchel's side averaged 57 percent possession, 535 passes per match and a high proportion of short passes.

This is an important indicator of what can be expected in Zwolle. Ajax will probably try to establish control early, stretch the home defence and create numerical advantages through the movement of their midfielders. PEC Zwolle cannot afford simply to sit deep and wait, because prolonged defending around their own penalty area would allow Ajax to keep returning the ball to dangerous areas. The hosts will need to press higher at least occasionally, force the visiting defenders into quicker decisions and immediately look for space behind the full-backs after winning possession.

By 1 August, Ajax had played a series of friendly and European matches. The results indicate that the team gradually stabilised after suffering a defeat at the beginning of pre-season:

• Ajax - FK Vojvodina 4-1
• Ajax - Burnley FC 2-1
• FK Vojvodina - Ajax 1-4
• Ajax - Olympiakos 1-0
• Ajax - VfL Bochum 1-1

Before the league trip to Zwolle, Ajax still play against FC Volendam and contest the first match against Shelbourne FC. Consequently, the final line-up used before the trip to Zwolle will not necessarily be the same as the team selected for the opening round.

Marcos Leonardo brings a new threat inside the penalty area

Ajax's most prominent attacking reinforcement is Marcos Leonardo. The Brazilian forward arrived from Al-Hilal and signed a contract until 2031. His statistics demonstrate why the PEC Zwolle defence will need to pay particular attention to the space between the centre-backs and the goalkeeper. During two periods playing for Al-Hilal, he scored a total of 48 goals, while throughout his career he has converted a large proportion of his chances from close range.

Marcos Leonardo is not a forward who needs many touches to become dangerous. He looks for the ball inside the penalty area, reacts well to rebounds and can finish an attack with his right foot, left foot or head. For the home centre-backs, this means that tracking only the player in possession will not be enough. They will also need to monitor his starting position before a cross, cut-back or second wave of attack.

Daley Blind brings a different type of value. The experienced defender returned to Ajax and signed a contract until the summer of 2027. He has already made 333 appearances for Ajax's first team, and his composed passing from the back fits Míchel's playing philosophy well. PEC Zwolle can try to limit his influence by directing their pressure towards the left side of the Ajax defence, but such a plan requires disciplined movement from the entire team. If one player is late, Blind can find a free midfielder and eliminate several opponents with a single pass.

PEC Zwolle are building their team around speed and experience

PEC Zwolle enter the season with Henry van der Vegt, a coach who worked within the club for years before taking charge of the first team. His advantage is his strong knowledge of the environment, the players and the expectations of the supporters. The opening match against Ajax will immediately show how much the team have progressed in their organisation without the ball and how dangerous they can be after gaining possession.

An important summer signing is Ibrahim Cissoko. The winger arrived from FC Toulouse and signed a contract until 2030. He spent last season on loan at Bolton Wanderers, where he scored six goals and provided two assists in 34 matches. The club describes him as a fast and technically strong player who seeks one-on-one duels. Precisely this type of profile can be useful against Ajax, especially if the hosts win the ball in midfield and immediately move it towards the flank.

The squad for the final pre-season match against Hannover 96 also included players who provide the home team with different options:

• Jasper Schendelaar as one of the goalkeeping options
• Nick Viergever and Sherel Floranus as more experienced defensive players
• Ryan Thomas, Ody Velanas and Thijs Oosting in midfield
• Dylan Mbayo and Ibrahim Cissoko as quick options on the wings
• Elias Sørensen and Koen Kostons as attacking options

In publicly recorded pre-season results, PEC Zwolle defeated Cercle Brugge 3-2 and lost 0-1 to Al-Jazira Club. They play their final warm-up match against Hannover 96 on 1 August, after this guide was prepared. The final assessment of the home side's form should therefore be made only after that match and the announcement of the squad for the start of the league season.

The tactical battle on the flanks could decide the match

The most interesting part of the match could take place near the touchlines. Ajax under Míchel want width, plenty of passing and players moving between the opposition lines. With Cissoko and Mbayo, PEC Zwolle possess the speed required for counter-attacks into the space left behind by the visiting full-backs. The hosts must therefore find the right balance: enough players need to remain behind the ball, but at least one winger must be ready to attack the open space immediately.

If PEC Zwolle move forward too slowly after winning possession, Ajax will quickly regain their shape and take control of the ball again. If the hosts commit too many players, they risk losing possession while their defensive line is stretched. The first touch of the PEC Zwolle midfielders will therefore be particularly important. One accurate pass towards the flank can launch a counter-attack, while a mistake in the middle can immediately leave the defence exposed to Marcos Leonardo.

Ajax will also need to be careful at set pieces. In matches in which the favourites dominate possession for long periods, the home side often create their best opportunities from corners, free kicks and second balls following crosses. PEC Zwolle can use the experience of Viergever and other tall players to force Ajax to defend inside their own penalty area. On the other hand, conceding too many fouls near the goal would give the visitors additional opportunities to deliver the ball with quality.

Recent head-to-head meetings favour Ajax

The last four league meetings show that Ajax have enjoyed greater success, but also that PEC Zwolle can close down a match when they remain compact. The most recent meeting in Zwolle ended without goals:

• PEC Zwolle - Ajax 0-0, 1 March 2026.
• Ajax - PEC Zwolle 3-1, 13 September 2025.
• PEC Zwolle - Ajax 0-1, 9 March 2025.
• Ajax - PEC Zwolle 2-0, 24 November 2024.

For the hosts, the 0-0 result from March is the most useful tactical reminder. It shows that Ajax can be slowed down if PEC Zwolle close the central channels and prevent easy entries into the penalty area. Nevertheless, the new season brings different coaches, new signings and a different dynamic. Ajax now have Marcos Leonardo as a clearly defined finisher, while PEC Zwolle are trying to add greater speed through Cissoko.

MAC3PARK stadium increases the pressure on the visitors

The stadium in Zwolle holds 14,000 spectators following the expansion completed in 2018. The stands are close to the pitch, allowing the crowd's reaction to be heard clearly during every duel, stoppage and attempt by the home team to apply pressure. The club states that home matches are often almost sold out and recommends that supporters arrive early to avoid congestion immediately before kick-off.

It is important for PEC Zwolle to involve the crowd in the match from the opening minutes. An aggressive start, several successful challenges or an early shot can raise the energy in the stands and make it more difficult for Ajax to build their attacks calmly. If the visitors take control of possession early and silence the stadium, it will be considerably harder for the hosts to maintain a high level of intensity.

The stadium gates for home matches open an hour and a half before kick-off. This gives visitors sufficient time for security checks, finding their section and entering without rushing. Seats in the stands disappear quickly for matches of this kind, so it is advisable to secure tickets in good time.

Getting to the stadium and parking

MAC3PARK stadium is located on the north-eastern side of Zwolle and is well connected to the A28 motorway via the Zwolle-Noord exit. The club recommends cycling or public transport to supporters from the city and nearby areas, because approximately 14,000 people gather around the stadium on matchdays. Travellers arriving by train or bus should check the current timetable on the day of the match, especially because of the Sunday schedule.

The most important practical information:

• The stadium address is Stadionplein 1, 8025 CP Zwolle.
• The entrances open an hour and a half before the start of the match.
• Drivers should use the Zwolle-Noord exit from the A28 motorway.
• Parking is available in the business area north of the stadium, between Boerendanserdijk and Oude Meppelerweg.
• Cycling and public transport are recommended because of congestion around the stadium.

Drivers should allow sufficient time for the final part of their journey. Arriving late may result in slower movement towards the parking area, a longer walk and waiting at the entrance. Visitors coming to Zwolle for the first time can combine the match with a short stay in the historic city centre, known for its canals, old city streets and the Peperbus tower. Separate transport from the centre to the stadium should be planned, and visitors should not rely on arriving at the last moment.

What to check immediately before departure

The final line-ups, injuries and suspensions may change during the final week of preparations. Ajax have two more fixtures before the match in Zwolle, while PEC Zwolle complete their preparations with an away match against Hannover 96. It would therefore be irresponsible to list a final group of unavailable players in advance without confirmation from the clubs.

Supporters should check the opening time of their designated entrance, the rules for electronic tickets, traffic conditions and the current public transport timetable immediately before travelling. Tickets for this match are currently on sale, and the opening of the new season against Ajax traditionally generates greater interest than an ordinary league fixture.

Sources:
- PEC Zwolle - match schedule, list of players for the final pre-season match, information about Ibrahim Cissoko, the stadium, entrances, travel and parking
- Ajax - schedule, results from pre-season and European qualifiers, coaching staff and information about Míchel Sánchez, Marcos Leonardo and Daley Blind
- AFC-Ajax.info - results of the most recent league meetings between the teams
- The Stadium Guide - history of the stadium names in Zwolle