ROTTERDAM, Netherlands – NEC Nijmegen and AZ Alkmaar will meet in the final of the 2025/26 KNVB Beker on April 19th at De Kuip in Rotterdam, following dramatic semifinal victories for both sides. NEC stunned league leaders PSV with a 3-2 win, while AZ advanced after a match against Telstar decided by two own goals.
The KNVB Beker final promises to be a compelling encounter, not just for the trophy itself, but also for the chance for both clubs to overcome a history of heartbreak in the competition. Combined, NEC and AZ have lost nine KNVB Beker finals, a statistic weighing heavily on both fanbases.
NEC’s Upset Victory Over PSV
NEC’s path to the final was paved with a thrilling 3-2 victory over PSV on Tuesday evening. The match, played in front of a passionate home crowd, saw NEC take an early lead through Bryan Linssen, capitalizing on a rebound after PSV goalkeeper Matej Kovar failed to clear a shot from Sami Ouaissa. However, PSV quickly responded, equalizing through Ismael Saibari’s header. Dennis Man then put PSV ahead shortly after, seemingly shifting the momentum.
But NEC refused to yield. Eli Dasa scored a stunning volley to level the score, sending the Goffertstadion into raptures. The first half ended with a flurry of activity, including a last-ditch effort from Saibari that hit the post. The second half continued at a frantic pace, but it was Basar Önal who ultimately secured NEC’s place in the final with the decisive goal.
AZ Advances After Unusual Win
AZ’s semifinal victory against Telstar was a more unusual affair. The Alkmaar side secured their spot in the final with a 2-1 win, but both of their goals came in the form of own goals scored by Telstar’s Danny Bakker and Ogidi Nwankwo. Kay Tejan scored for Telstar, but it wasn’t enough to prevent their elimination. AZ coach Anthony Correia acknowledged the somewhat fortunate nature of the win, stating after the match that the game “deserved no winner.”
A History of Final Heartache
The upcoming final represents a significant opportunity for both NEC and AZ to finally lift the KNVB Beker trophy. NEC has lost all five of its previous final appearances, including a narrow 1-0 defeat to Feyenoord last year. AZ has a slightly better record, having won four finals, but they have also suffered four defeats, most recently losing to Go Ahead Eagles on penalties in 2025. This shared history of near misses adds an extra layer of intrigue to the match.
The final will be played on Sunday, April 19th at 18:00 local time (16:00 UTC) at De Kuip in Rotterdam. NEC supporters are preparing for a “football festival,” according to the club, but are facing some logistical challenges regarding ticket allocation. The club is dependent on several factors, including finalizing the opponent, consulting with the KNVB, and coordinating with the municipalities of Nijmegen and Rotterdam, as well as the safety authorities.
Ticket Information and Supporter Details
NEC has confirmed that season ticket holders will have priority access to tickets for the final. The club is working to finalize the ticket sales process and will communicate details through its official channels as soon as possible. They are urging fans to refrain from contacting the club directly for ticket information, as they are currently awaiting information from external parties. Fans can register to receive updates on ticket sales via the NEC Nijmegen website. More information is available on the NEC Nijmegen website.
NEC fans will be allocated the same section of De Kuip as they were in 2024, which offers less space for facilities such as a fan plaza. The club is aware of this and is working to mitigate any inconvenience for supporters.
What’s Next for NEC and AZ?
Beyond the KNVB Beker final, both NEC and AZ will return to league play. The final is sure to have implications for both teams’ respective league campaigns, potentially impacting their chances of European qualification. The match also presents an opportunity for both clubs to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.
The KNVB Beker final between NEC Nijmegen and AZ Alkmaar is shaping up to be a captivating encounter, filled with history, drama, and the promise of a long-awaited trophy for one of these two clubs. Fans can expect a fiercely contested match at De Kuip on April 19th.
Archysport will continue to provide updates on the KNVB Beker final as more information becomes available.
