KNVB Beker

About KNVB Beker

KNVB Beker History, Format, Organization, Media Coverage

The KNVB Beker, or Dutch Cup in English, is a cup competition from the Netherlands. The tournament was created in 1898 following the format of the English FA Cup, and it includes teams from all four tiers in professional football, while also adding 24 teams from regional competitions. The winner of this competition is awarded a spot in the UEFA Europa League and in the Johan Cruyff Shield, a sort of Super Cup match against the winners of the Eredivisie.

The format of th KNVB Beker has changed over time, with over 100 teams being able to play in this competition. Recent editions have seen two preliminary rounds taking place before the tournament proper kicks off. All fixtures are played as one-leg ties, including the semifinals and the title matches, with extra time and penalties used to determine the winner.

Just as it happens in the Dutch Eredivisie, Ajax are the most-winning team in this competition, being the only club to win over 20 titles in this tournament. Thirty-nine teams have been able to lift the title since its creation.

The KNVB Beker has attracted a large fanbase all over the world, which has seen the competition being aired by Gol TV. In the Netherlands, broadcasting and streaming rights to the competition have been awarded to ESPN and ESPN+ until 2030.