Find the top sports events in Amsterdam and across the Netherlands in 2026, including football matches, running races, Formula 1, tennis tournaments and major international sporting events. This annual Amsterdam sports calendar highlights both events to watch and events you can participate in.
When are the main sports events in Amsterdam?
The peak sports calendar runs from spring to autumn, with major events running between April and October – including the Dutch F1 Grand Prix and the Amsterdam marathon. The domestic football season runs August to May.
For a full monthly breakdown, see our Amsterdam events calendar
Dutch Football 2026-27
Football (soccer) is by far the most popular sport in the Netherlands. Taking in a match of the Dutch national team (Nederlands elftal) is perhaps one of the great experiences of world football.
Seeing the Dutch fans bedecked in all orange brings back some fleeting memories of the mighty Holland teams from the 1970s and 80s. Johan Cruijff. Total Football. Ruud Gullit. Marco van Basten. Euro 88…
The Dutch team were eliminated in the last 32 of World Cup 2026.
The Dutch national team plays most of its home matches atone of 3 main stadiums in the Netherlands:
1. Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam
This is the main stadium for AFC Ajax and Netherlands home matches. See our guide to the Johan Cruijff Arena stadium
| CAPACITY: 56,120 CLUB: AFC AJAX (36x Eredivisie titles, most recent 2022) BUILT: 1996 DIRECTIONS: Amsterdam Bijlmer Arena station (Train+Metro) Johan Cruijff ArenA tours: Book Johan Cruijff Arena Classic Tour (self-guided) tickets here OR Book a VIP 2 hour guided tour here (VIP tour includes board room visit + free drink in a Skybox) |
2. Stadion Feyenoord in Rotterdam
De Kuip is the home of Feyenoord and is the second principal stadium of the Netherlands. It often hosts Dutch cup finals and hosted the Euro 2000 final.
| CAPACITY: 51,177 CLUB: FEYENOORD (16x Eredivisie titles, most recent 2023) BUILT: 1937 NICKNAME: De Kuip DIRECTIONS: Stadion Feyenoord (Tram+Bus) STADIUM TOUR: Book Kuip Stadium tour with Feyenoord Museum entry here |
3. Philips Stadion in Eindhoven
The smaller Philips stadium is home to PSV Eindhoven and regularly hosts Netherlands internationals for fans in the south of the country.
| CAPACITY: 35,000 CLUB: PSV EINDHOVEN (26x Eredivisie titles, most recent 2025) BUILT: 1910 DIRECTIONS: walkable from Eindhoven Centraal station STADIUM TOUR: Book PSV Museum and optional Philips Stadium tour here |
Netherlands (men) home international matches
Netherlands vs Germany (UEFA Nations League)
Date: 24 Sep 2026 (20:45)
Venue: Johan Cruijff ArenA, Amsterdam
Check for Netherlands vs Germany tickets
Netherlands vs Serbia (UEFA Nations League)
Date: 4 Oct 2026 (20:45)
Venue: Philips Stadion, Eindhoven
Check for Netherlands vs Serbia tickets
Netherlands vs Greece (UEFA Nations League)
Date: 13 Nov 2026 (20:45)
Venue: Johan Cruijff ArenA, Amsterdam
Dutch women’s home international matches
Since winning the Euro2017 tournament on home soil, the Dutch women’s team (Nederlands vrouwenelftal) has seen a big leap in popularity.
They reached the Quarter Finals of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia/New Zealand, however failed to reach the knockout stage of Euro 2025.
AFC Ajax
AFC Ajax, is the Netherlands’ most successful club and plays its home games at the Johan Cruijff ArenA. It plays in the Eredivisie – the highest professional Dutch football league consisting of 18 teams.
Dutch league matches are normally played from August to May with a winter’s break in early January.
Ajax home fixtures for 2026/27 season
Eredivisie matches listed unless otherwise stated, dates/times subject to change.
Ajax vs sc Heerenveen 16 Aug 2026 (16:45)
Ajax vs PSV 5 Sep 2026 (20:00)
Ajax vs Willem II 15 Sep 2026 (20:00)
Ajax vs Excelsior 19 Sep 2026 (20:00)
Ajax vs NEC 10 Oct 2026 (21:00)
Ajax vs AZ 31 Oct 2027 (21:00)
Ajax vs ADO Den Haag 21 Nov 2026 (TBA)
Ajax vs FC Utrecht 5 Dec 2026 (TBA)
Ajax vs SC Cambuur 12 Dec 2026 (TBA)
Ajax vs FC Groningen 16 Jan 2027 (TBA)
Ajax vs Telstar 23 Jan 2027 (TBA)
Ajax vs Go Ahead Eagles 20 Feb 2027 (TBA)
Ajax vs Feyenoord 27 Feb 2027 (TBA)
Ajax vs PEC Zwolle 13 Mar 2027 (TBA)
Ajax vs FC Twente 3 Apr 2027 (TBA)
Ajax vs Fortuna Sittard 1 May 2027 (TBA)
Ajax vs Sparta 16 May 2027 (14:30)
Johan Cruijff Schaal
The Cruijff Schaal (Cruijff Shield) is the Dutch domestic season opener pitting the winner of the Eredivisie against the winner of the KNVB Beker (Dutch FA Cup). Next match: August 2027.
Watching live sport in AmsterdamSome of the best live sports experiences in Amsterdam include:
You can also visit the Johan Cruijff ArenA on a stadium tour or attend an Ajax match during the season. Amsterdam sports events to participateWhy not get active and join in a range of sport events in Amsterdam:
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Athletics / Running / Walking Events in the Netherlands
Running events in Amsterdam are among the most popular sports activities, with major races such as the Amsterdam Marathon and Dam tot Dam Loop attracting thousands of participants.
CPC (City-Pier-City) Run
An annual half marathon event in the Hague. Starting in the city, the flat course takes in Scheveningen beach before heading back to the centre. Next edition is on 14 Mar 2027.
30 van Zandvoort
30km and 18km walking event (15th edition) on 20 Mar 2027 around the Zandvoort area starting at the paddock of the famous Circuit Zandvoort.
Zandvoort Circuit run
Running event on 21 Mar 2027 around the Zandvoort circuit, beach and dunes. Options of 4km, 12km and 10 miles courses.
Cruyff Legacy 14K
Charitable fun run event over 5km and 14km around Amsterdam Zuidoost to raise money for the Johan Cruijff Foundation. Expected April 2027 with start/finish at the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam.
NN Rotterdam Marathon
This big marathon event in the Netherlands normally attracts over 20,000 competitors including a field of world-class athletes. One of the fastest marathon courses in the world, the race begins on Erasmus Bridge with the finish line being on the Coolsingel. The 46th edition is scheduled for 11 Apr 2027.
FBK Games
International athletics meet at the Fanny Blankers-Koen stadium (FBK Stadion) in Hengelo, Netherlands. Expected June 2027.
Gaasperplasrun
1km, 2km, 5km and 10km runs around the Gaasperplaas, a lake in south-east Amsterdam. Expected June 2027.
Nijmegen Vierdaagse
One of the major sporting events in the Netherlands. An international four days marches event around the city of Nijmegen with up to 50,000 participants – walking 30km, 40km or 50km per day over all 4 days. The 109th edition is scheduled for 20-23 Jul 2027.
Dutch Athletics Championships (NK)
Annual Dutch Championships outdoor meet takes place each summer. Expected July 2027, venue to be announced.
Dam tot Dam Loop
Popular fun-run event which includes the world’s biggest 10 mile event from Amsterdam to Zaandam attracting almost 50,000 participants. Expected 19-20 Sep 2026. See more September events including Dam tot Dam Loop in Amsterdam in September 2026
Amsterdam City Walk
10, 14, 17, 20, 26 and 33 km walking events held the day before the Amsterdam marathon taking in the highlights of the city. Saturday 24 Oct 2026, the longer walks start from the Olympic Stadium.
TCS Amsterdam Marathon 2026
The Amsterdam Marathon is a major international sport event on the calendar. It will be held on Sunday 25 Oct 2026. The race starts and finishes at the Olympic Stadium. See our full guide to Amsterdam in October 2026
Olympic Stadium Run (Olympischstadionloop)
The Olympischstadionloop is a 5km and 10km running event which starts and finishes at the Olympic Stadium. Expected to return in November 2026 (the 2025 edition had to be cancelled).
Olympic Stadium in Amsterdam
The iconic stadium in the south of Amsterdam was specially built to host the 1928 Olympic Games. It was designed by architect Jan Wils in the Amsterdam School-style.
In addition to the Olympic Games it has hosted a number of sporting events. This includes the Tour de France Grand Départ in 1954, the European Cup final in 1962, several Netherlands internationals, Ajax European games up to 1996 and more recently the 2016 European Athletics Championships.
Today it hosts a variety of events from athletics to concerts.
| CAPACITY: 22,500 BUILT: 1928 DIRECTIONS: Olympisch Stadion (Tram 24/Bus 397) |
Motorsport in the Netherlands
Formula 1 – Dutch Grand Prix 2026
With the rise of local star Max Verstappen, Formula 1 has seen record popularity in the Netherlands. F1 came back to the historic circuit at Zandvoort (near Amsterdam) for the first since 1985 with races held in 2021-25. However the event has not been economically viable so the final Dutch Grand Prix F1 race weekend will be held over 21-23 Aug 2026.
See more events in Amsterdam in August 2026
Dutch MotoGP
Popular motorcycle racing event held at the Assen TT circuit. Expected June 2027.
Tennis Events in the Netherlands
Netherlands hosts 2 ATP tournaments during the year:
ABN Amro Tournament
ATP tennis tour event at Ahoy Rotterdam, scheduled for 6-14 Feb 2027. A strong field of top 20 players is due at the 54th edition. Check ABN Amro tournament final tickets here
Libéma Open
International grass court tournament (men’s ATP and women’s WTA) at the Autotron Rosmalen near Den Bosch, 1 hour south of Amsterdam. Used as a warm-up to Wimbledon for some players. Expected 5-13 Jun 2027.
Dutch Open
International ATP Challenger tournament runs at Bunschoten (near Hilversum/Amersfoort), expected July 2027.
Davis Cup (World Group I)
Netherlands vs Colombia – Maaspoort, Den Bosch – 18-20 Sep 2026.
Golf Tournaments in the Netherlands
KLM Open
European Tour golf event expected at Kennemer in Zandvoort. Expected June 2027.
Dutch Ladies Open
Ladies European Tour event over 3 rounds, held at Goyer Golf & Country Club in Eemnes (near Hilversum), expected in June 2027.
Solheim Cup
Biennial women’s golf tournament featuring a European team against the United States. The 2026 event will be held at Bernardus Golf at Cromvoirt (‘s-Hertogenbosch) in the Netherlands. Runs 7-13 Sep 2026.
Boxing
Ben Bril Boxing Gala
Ben Bril (1912-2003) was a Jewish Dutch boxer who fought aged 16 at the 1928 Olympics in Amsterdam and later survived deportation to a German concentration camp. This annual boxing and dinner show at Theater Carré Amsterdam is held in his memory. Expected 12 Oct 2026.
Cycling
Omloop van Zandvoort
Cycling event over 40km, 80km or 120km on 21 Mar 2027 starting in the pit lane of Zandvoort circuit.
Darts
Premier League Darts
The invitational Premier League of darts PDC event returns to the Netherlands. Expected in April 2027 at Ahoy Rotterdam with the top 8 ranked players.
World Series of Darts Finals
International PDC darts event runs at AFAS Live in Amsterdam, expected 17-20 Sep 2026.
Dutch Darts Championships
European tour event featuring some of the world’s top players. Expected 16-18 Oct 2026 at MECC in Maastricht.
Equestrian
Jumping Amsterdam
Indoor international equestrian event featuring some of the world’s best show jumping and dressage riders. At RAI Amsterdam on 28-31 Jan 2027.
Jumping Indoor Maastricht
Indoor international equestrian event held at MECC Maastricht. Runs 5-8 Nov 2026.
Gymnastics
Gymnastics World Championships 2026
The 54th edition of the FIG world artistic gymnastics championships will be held at Ahoy Rotterdam over 17-25 Oct 2026.
Hockey
FIH Hockey World Cup 2026
Belgium and The Netherlands jointly host the international hockey tournament between 15-30 Aug 2026. On the Dutch side matches are played at Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen – including the women’s final on 29 Aug 2026 (16:00).
Ice Hockey
Local team Amsterdam Tigers play home matches at Jaap Edenhal Amsterdam.
Korfball
League Finals
Ball sport (kind of netball-basketball cross) invented in the Netherlands. The next League finals day are expected in April 2027 at Ahoy Rotterdam.
Padel
Premier Padel Rotterdam
International padel sport tournament featuring 48 top male and female players. Next event expected 27 Sep to 4 Oct 2026 at Rotterdam Ahoy.
Power Sports
Euro Muscles Show
Event featuring pro bodybuilding, powerlifting, strongman competitions, MMA and boxing bouts. 3rd edition runs at RAI Amsterdam, expected 19-20 Sep 2026.
Rowing
Grachtenrace
Up to 140 sloop boats race over a 25km course around Amsterdam’s canals. The race starts near Jan Schaeferbrug (bridge) at IJhaven and the route takes in various canals including Herengracht, Leidsegracht and Singelsgracht. The finish is at Oosterdok by the Maritime Museum. The 39th edition runs on 10 Oct 2026.
Rugby
Amsterdam Sevens
Annual international rugby sevens tournament with over 120 teams to be played at the National Rugby Centre Amsterdam (NRCA at Sportpark de Eendracht). The 54th edition runs June 2027. See more events in Amsterdam in June 2026
Ameland Beach Rugby festival
The largest beach rugby festival in Europe is held on the Wadden island of Ameland, expected June 2027.
Skating
Friday Night Skate
A 20km organised inline skate around the streets of Amsterdam held every Friday night (20:30, weather permitting) from Vondelpark Pavilion.
Swimming
Amsterdam City Swim
This charity 2km outdoor swim event in the city features up to 3,000 participants. Next event scheduled for 6 Sep 2026.
Triathlon
Tri Amsterdam
International triathlon event which offers courses of half-distance and the full Olympic distance (1500 m swim, 40 km bike, 10 km run). Starts at Park Somerlust and finishes at Bella Vista Park. Expected June 2027.
FAQ: Sports events in Amsterdam
What are the biggest sports events in Amsterdam?
The biggest events include the Amsterdam Marathon, Ajax football matches and the Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort.
Can you watch football in Amsterdam?
Yes, you can watch AFC Ajax at the Johan Cruijff ArenA (check for tickets) or attend Netherlands national team matches.
What sports events can you participate in?
Popular participation events include the Dam tot Dam Loop, Amsterdam City Swim and Tri Amsterdam.
More Events in Amsterdam |
First published in 2019. Last updated 15 June 2026.
Disclaimer: While we make every effort to keep this listing up-to-date, events can always be cancelled or re-scheduled at short notice. Please double-check with the event organisers.
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