Planning a football night in Alkmaar? AZ Alkmaar and ADO Den Haag open the Eredivisie season on 8 August 2026 at AFAS Stadion. Prepare your journey, review both teams and key players, and plan your ticket purchase for a match marking ADO's return to the top flight
AZ Alkmaar and ADO Den Haag open the new season in Alkmaar
AZ Alkmaar and ADO Den Haag meet in the opening round of the Eredivisie at the AFAS Stadion. The match is scheduled for 8 August 2026 at 21:00 and brings an intriguing clash between teams starting from different positions. AZ enter the season as Dutch cup winners and a club aiming to remain near the top, while ADO return to the first division after five seasons outside the highest tier. For the hosts, it is an opportunity to confirm their continuity in front of their supporters, while for the visitors it is the first real test following promotion and winning the title in the second tier.
The evening kick-off leaves enough time to arrive in Alkmaar and enter the stadium without rushing. Tickets for this match are in demand among supporters because it combines the start of a new season, the return of a traditional club to the Eredivisie and the first league evening at the AFAS Stadion.
What is at stake for AZ Alkmaar
AZ finished the previous season with a major cup achievement, defeating N.E.C. Nijmegen 5-1 in the final. It was the fifth Dutch cup triumph in the club's history. Such an ending raised expectations, but at the same time increased the pressure ahead of the new league campaign. Leeroy Echteld's team enter the opening round only a few days after the Johan Cruijff Schaal match against PSV, meaning recovery and the distribution of playing time will have an important role.
The preparations provided AZ with enough matches against different opponents. The results show attacking potential, but also periods in which the defence left space:
- AZ - KAA Gent 3-3, scorers Daal, Matěj Šín and Patati
- AZ - Almere City 2-1, scorers Meerdink and Kees Smit
- AZ - RSC Anderlecht 0-1
- SV Zulte Waregem - AZ 1-1, scorer Kovács
- AZ - KRC Genk 4-0, two goals by Patati and goals by Parrott and Kovács
- AZ - Olympiacos 3-2, two goals by Meerdink and a goal by Patati
Patati was the most productive player with four pre-season goals, Meerdink scored three and Kovács two. This gives AZ several solutions in the final third and the possibility of changing the striker profile during the match. Troy Parrott also remains an important option because he can play as the central focal point of the attack, connect the lines and create space for players arriving from deeper positions.
Kees Smit is one of the players who can dictate the rhythm between midfield and attack. Jordy Clasie provides control and experience, while Peer Koopmeiners and Matěj Šín can offer additional energy and solutions in the middle. Sam de Grand, Andrea Natali and Calvin Stengs joined the team during the final phase of preparations. Their readiness for more playing time will depend on the coaching staff's assessment, but squad depth is important because of the congested start to the season.
ADO return to the Eredivisie as champions
ADO Den Haag did not return through a fortunate run of results, but as champions following a season in which Robin Peter's team demonstrated stability. The club return to the highest tier after five years, and their first opponent is immediately one of the most organised sides in the country. It is therefore crucial for ADO not to lose their structure in Alkmaar when AZ increase the tempo.
Robin Peter was named the best coach of the season in the second tier, Kilian Nikiema the best goalkeeper and Jari Vlak the best player. Vlak moved to CD Castellón during the summer, meaning ADO enter the new season without the captain who played an important role in winning the title. A greater share of the responsibility for organising play may therefore be taken by Juho Kilo, Finn de Bruin and Mylian Jimenez.
ADO remained unbeaten during their preparations. They recorded convincing victories against lower-ranked opponents and then raised their level against stronger opposition:
- Laakkwartier - ADO Den Haag 1-5
- Westlands Elftal - ADO Den Haag 0-6
- KV Mechelen - ADO Den Haag 2-3
- Lommel - ADO Den Haag 0-4
- ADO Den Haag - Asteras Aktor 0-0
In the final test against Asteras Aktor, ADO had more possession and initiative but failed to find a goal. The starting line-up consisted of Nikiema, Hokke, Mulder, Waem, Sylla, De Bruin, Kilo, Van Mieghem, Rottier, Eduardo and Peupion. That selection provides a good indication of the side that could start in Alkmaar, although the coach still has several attacking options.
Players who can change the match
Juho Kilo extended his contract with ADO until 2029, with an option for an additional year. In 76 competitive appearances for the club, he scored seven goals and registered 12 assists. His value is not limited to the final pass. He is important when playing out of pressure, carrying the ball and controlling second balls, all of which will be particularly demanding against AZ.
Yannick Eduardo arrived on loan from Hoffenheim after a season at Dordrecht, where he scored 12 goals and added five assists in 23 competitive appearances. He has the profile of a striker who can attack the space behind the defence, but also participate in more aggressive pressing. Daryl van Mieghem provides experience and crossing quality, Cameron Peupion can accelerate play from the wing, while Evan Rottier offers movement between the lines.
On the other side, AZ have several players capable of finishing an attack. Patati was particularly effective during preparations, Meerdink scored twice against Olympiacos and Parrott provides strength inside the penalty area. Calvin Stengs, if fit to play, can offer additional creativity between the visitors' midfield and defence.
Tactical framework of the match
AZ will probably try to establish control through possession, advanced full-backs and rapid positional interchanges around the visitors' penalty area. The greatest risk for the hosts arises if they lose the ball with a large number of players positioned ahead of it. ADO can then look for Eduardo, Rottier or Peupion in transition.
For the visitors, it will be important to survive the initial pressure and prevent the match from turning into constant defending close to their own goal. Nikiema will have great responsibility in organising the final line. Waem and Mulder will have to control the physical duels, while the wide defenders must decide when to step out towards Patati or the other winger and when to remain closer to the centre-backs.
The key tactical details may include:
- AZ's pressure after losing the ball and the speed with which ADO play through the first line
- the space behind the hosts' advanced full-backs
- the visitors' centre-backs' duels with Parrott or Meerdink
- Kees Smit and Stengs moving between the lines
- ADO's set pieces as an opportunity to create danger without prolonged possession
If AZ take an early lead, the match could open up because ADO will not be able to remain exclusively in a low block. If the visitors get through the opening half-hour without conceding, the hosts will have to play more patiently and the space for counter-attacks could become greater.
Previous meetings and a new context
The most recent league meetings between these clubs were played in the 2020/2021 season. The match in Den Haag finished 2-2, while AZ won 2-1 in Alkmaar. Those results have limited tactical value today because the squads and coaches have changed completely, but they confirm that the returning top-flight club arrive at a stadium where the previous first-division encounter was closely contested.
This time, AZ enter as cup winners and hosts with greater squad depth, while ADO arrive with the momentum of champions and a team that remained unbeaten during preparations. The difference in individual quality favours AZ, but the opening round often raises questions about competitive rhythm, automatisms and physical freshness.
AFAS Stadion and the atmosphere of the first home evening
The AFAS Stadion opened in August 2006. After part of the roof collapsed in 2019, the stadium was renovated and reopened in 2021, and it now accommodates 19,500 spectators. The renovation changed the acoustics and brought the stands' experience closer to the pitch, which is particularly noticeable when the home supporters react to high pressing or a rapid sequence of attacks.
The opening league round in an evening slot usually attracts significant interest. The home supporters want to see how the cup winners will approach the new season, while the away section will mark ADO's return to the Eredivisie. It is worth securing tickets in good time, particularly for sections offering a better view towards the middle of the pitch.
The main entrance to the complex is marked as entrance 7 and is located at the top of the escalators. The Fancentrum and Sportcafé open two hours before a home match. This is practical for visitors who want to arrive early, avoid the largest crowds and check their section before kick-off. The exact opening time of individual stadium entrances is not stated in the available information, so the latest instructions for the specific ticket should be checked before travelling.
Getting to the stadium and parking
The AFAS Stadion is located at Stadionweg 1 in Alkmaar. It can be reached by car via the A9 motorway and the N242 road. On matchdays, car parks P1 to P7 are intended for people with the appropriate parking pass or invitation. Visitors without such a pass can use the paid P8 and P9 car parks in the Verlengd Zeezicht area, with navigation set towards Parelweg.
The most important practical information:
- the stadium address is Stadionweg 1, Alkmaar
- free shuttle buses depart from the rear side of Alkmaar railway station
- the pre-match shuttle operates from two hours before kick-off
- the return shuttle after the match departs from beneath the viaduct between the stadium and car park P8
- payments at the stadium are contactless, with a limited number of locations where a payment card can be purchased with cash
For visitors arriving by train, the shuttle is the simplest connection between the station and the stadium. Those arriving by car should distinguish in advance between car parks requiring a pass and the publicly accessible P8 and P9. After the match, a slower departure from the surrounding zones should be expected, particularly if a large number of spectators return towards the N242 at the same time.
Alkmaar offers enough attractions for visitors arriving several hours before the match, while the historic centre is located outside the immediate stadium area. Supporters who want to combine sightseeing with the match will find it more practical to visit the centre first and then travel towards the stadium by train and shuttle or by pre-arranged transport.
What supporters can expect
AZ should have more possession and a greater number of attacks, but ADO do not arrive in Alkmaar without weapons. Robin Peter's team showed during preparations that they can score in transition and remain compact against international opposition. The opening twenty minutes could reveal whether the visitors' midfield can retain the ball under pressure or whether AZ will quickly pin the match inside ADO's half.
For the home supporters, the main questions will concern the distribution of playing time after the trophy match, the choice of centre-forward and Stengs' role. The visiting supporters will follow how Eduardo adapts to the higher level, whether Kilo can lead the midfield and how long the defence can withstand AZ's rotations.
Ticket sales for this match are under way. Arriving at least one hour before kick-off reduces the risk of congestion on the approaches, while an earlier arrival is particularly useful for visitors attending the AFAS Stadion for the first time.
Sources:
- AZ.nl - schedule, opening-round preview, coach, squad, pre-season matches and player arrivals
- ADO Den Haag - schedule, return to the Eredivisie, squad, pre-season matches and report against Asteras Aktor
- Eredivisie - confirmation of ADO Den Haag's promotion and the context of their title-winning season
- AZ.nl - history, capacity and renovation of the AFAS Stadion
- AZ.nl - travel information, shuttle buses, parking, entrances and payment methods
- ADO Den Haag - information about Juho Kilo, Yannick Eduardo and individual awards
- WorldFootball.net - results of the most recent league meetings between AZ and ADO Den Haag