The draw for the first qualifying round of the KNVB Cup was a significant step in placing amateur clubs participating in this prestigious football tournament. On Friday evening, live on ESPN, the names of the clubs against which AFC Ajax, Purmersteijn and JOS Watergraafsmeer will compete were revealed.
Under the supervision of Timo Reessink from the KNVB and Robert Maaskant, a former trainer/coach in professional football, 12 amateur clubs from the Amsterdam region took part. These included AFC (second division), Purmersteijn (third division) and JOS Watergraafsmeer (fourth division). Additionally, Ajax amateurs also participated but were not directly included in the draw.
Of the 12 second-division amateur clubs, which included teams like Barendrecht, GVVV, HHC Hardenberg and IJsselmeervogels, eight were drawn for the first qualifying round. Four other clubs will automatically advance to the second round.
The draw brought a total of 64 clubs into the mix: four clubs from the second division that did not get a free pass, 36 third-division teams, and 24 clubs from six district competitions. The 32 winners from the first round will proceed with the eight free-passed second-division clubs to the second round.
The matches in the first qualifying round are scheduled for Tuesday, September 1, and Wednesday, September 2, 2026. The results of these matches will determine who advances to the main tournament of the KNVB Cup.
This draw is a crucial moment in placing amateur clubs in this prestigious competition, and the results will generate significant enthusiasm among football fans in the coming weeks.
