The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19, hosted jointly across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico — the first time three nations have co-hosted the tournament. It features 48 teams playing 104 matches over 39 days, up from 32 teams and 64 matches in previous editions.
The final
The tournament culminates with the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Fun bonus detail: FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed there will be a half-time show at the final, with Coldplay involved — inspired by the NFL’s Super Bowl tradition.
Oranje in Group F
The Netherlands are in Group F alongside Japan, Sweden, and Tunisia. Here are the Dutch fixtures in Dutch time (CEST):
Sunday 14 June — Netherlands vs Japan: 22:00 (Dallas)
Saturday 20 June — Netherlands vs Sweden: 19:00 (Houston)
Friday 26 June — Tunisia vs Netherlands: 01:00 (Kansas City)
The Netherlands have reached the World Cup final three times (1974, 1978, 2010) without ever winning. With a relatively favourable group, there’s real belief this could be their year!
Here’s a list on the best places to watch the games:
O’Casey’s Irish Pub & Restaurant(Noordeinde 140) One of The Hague’s best-loved Irish pubs, O’Casey’s brings genuine warmth and energy to match days. With screens throughout the bar and a crowd that actually cares about the game, it’s the kind of place where a late equaliser gets the whole room on its feet. Book a table in advance — it fills up fast for big fixtures.
The Fiddler(Riviervismarkt 1) A Den Haag institution, The Fiddler is an English-style pub spread across two levels with multiple large screens and locally brewed cask ale on tap. It draws a loyal international crowd and has a long track record of hosting major sporting events. The atmosphere during a big match here is reliably electric.
Sports Café Not Out(Valeriusstraat 18) The most dedicated sports venue on this list. Not Out is built around the game — a large pull-down projector screen, a relaxed neighbourhood feel, and a crowd of genuine football fans. Slightly off the beaten tourist path, it’s a favourite among expats and locals who take their sport seriously.
Voco The Hague by IHG(Kneuterdijk 8) For those who want to watch the World Cup in comfort and style, the bar at Voco The Hague offers a more laid-back alternative to the pub scene. Located in a beautifully restored city-centre building, it’s a good option for smaller groups or anyone who prefers their football with a cocktail rather than a pint of lager.
Café Restaurant Rootz(Grote Marktstraat 14) Right in the heart of the city centre, Rootz is a lively all-day café-bar with over 160 beers on the menu and a warm, bustling atmosphere that suits a big occasion. With its high ceilings and historic interior, it hits a sweet spot between neighbourhood café and proper football venue — the kind of place you settle in for the whole evening.
Sherika Rooplal-Clappers is a contributing writer for The Hague Online, covering culture, lifestyle, and local events. With a passion for storytelling and international perspectives, she highlights the people, places, and experiences that make The Hague a dynamic city.
ADO Den Haag has announced Zelesta as its new main sponsor. The Dutch brand, known for its original washable duvet with a fixed cover, will become the club’s most important commercial partner from the coming season.
The sponsorship begins in the 2026–2027 season, when ADO Den Haag returns to the Eredivisie, the top tier of professional football in the Netherlands.
For international readers who are less familiar with Dutch football, ADO Den Haag is The Hague’s professional football club and an important part of the city’s sporting identity. The club has a loyal local following and plays a visible role in the wider community, both on and off the pitch.
Zelesta is a fast-growing Dutch brand that aims to make bed-making easier. Its washable duvet has become popular with customers who want to make their bed quickly and conveniently. From its base in the Netherlands, the company has grown into a recognised brand in several European countries.
Martijn van Opstal, Commercial Director of ADO Den Haag, said the club is proud to welcome Zelesta as its new main sponsor.
“We are extremely proud to be able to connect Zelesta to ADO Den Haag as our new main sponsor. Zelesta is a fast-growing Dutch brand that fits perfectly with our ambitions and modern image. From the first contact, we felt a shared energy and entrepreneurial drive. With Zelesta, ADO Den Haag is bringing in an ambitious and innovative partner with whom we want to continue building the future of our club in the coming years.”
Zelesta CEO Sven Bosschaart also responded positively to the new partnership.
“ADO Den Haag is a club with enormous energy, a loyal fan base and a strong identity. That fits well with who we are as a brand. For Zelesta, this partnership is a great step towards further growth in the Netherlands and increasing our visibility as a brand. We look forward to achieving great things together, both on and off the pitch.”
Last week, ADO Den Haag also announced that Unicomm will be the sleeve sponsor of the men’s team next season. The club already has long-term partnerships with EasyTech Technical Solutions on the sleeve and Biersteker on the back of the shirt.
The #ADOgroen initiative, through which the club aims to help get The Hague moving, will also feature on the shirts. This will appear on the lower back of the match shirts for the men’s, women’s and youth teams.
Text: ADO Den Haag, translated and adapted by The Hague Online Image: ADO Den Haag/Angelo Blankespoor
At the Hague Sports Gala earlier this week, The Hague’s sports community came together to celebrate successes and showcase the power of sports in our city. In the festively decorated Zuiderpark Sports Campus, the achievements of The Hague athletes, coaches, and volunteers were proudly put in the spotlight.
From gold, silver, and bronze at (inter)national tournaments to the indispensable contribution of volunteers on the playing fields: the gala emphasized both the joy and the power of sports. Highlights of the evening included the presentation of the coveted titles for Sportsman, Sportswoman, Sports Team, Sports Coach, Sports Talent, Referee, Sports Volunteer of the Year, and this year, the Lifetime Achievement Award. The show was once again presented by Bas Muijs and co-hosted by Rutger Vermast and was a fitting end to a year full of sporting successes in The Hague. The winners were determined by a combination of public votes and a professional jury.
Alderman for Sports Hilbert Bredemeijer: “We look back on a fantastic year of sports, in which The Hague athletes delivered exceptional performances. The nominees and winners we celebrated at the Hague Sports Gala demonstrate what is possible with passion and perseverance. They get our city moving. Hearty congratulations to all the winners!”
The Hague Sportswoman of the Year – Steffie van der Peet (track cycling)
Steffie van der Peet had an exceptional season. With multiple gold medals in the UCI Track Champions League, European titles in the keirin and team sprint, and a gold medal in the World Championships, she confirmed her status as a fixture at the international top. Her consistent form and impressive focus make her this year’s Sportswoman of the Year.
The Hague Sportsman of the Year – Sem Steijn (football)
For Sem Steijn, 2025 was the breakthrough year. He became the top scorer in the Eredivisie, transferred to Feyenoord, and made his debut for the Dutch national team. With his down-to-earth attitude and recognizable Hague charisma, he became a key player and a crowd favorite. His strong season earned him the title of Sportsman of the Year.
The Hague Sports Team of the Year – HRC (rugby)
The Sports Team of the Year award went to HRC, who managed to win the national title again after eleven years. The team demonstrated a strong mentality by overcoming a deficit in the final against Rotterdam and convincingly becoming champions. The team distinguishes itself through athletic strength, resilience, and a close-knit club culture where elite sport and community go hand in hand.
TheHague Sports Talent of the Year – Yara Akkerman (hockey)
Sixteen-year-old Yara Akkerman has made impressive progress this year. She won the national championship both indoors and on the field with the U18 team (girls under 18) and made her debut for the Women’s 1 team this season. Her talent, speed, and game insight are nationally recognized; a promising player who is rightfully named Sports Talent of the Year.
The Hague Sports Coach of the Year – Sarina Wiegman (football)
Sarina Wiegman has reaffirmed her place among the world’s elite. In a demanding international environment, she led the England team to new successes with determination, composure, and strategic insight. Her consistent performance, strong leadership, and exemplary role make her the Sports Coach of the Year—a title she has now received for the sixth time.
The Hague Referee of the Year – Danny Gerritsen (korfball)
Danny Gerritsen has been refereeing at the highest amateur level within the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNKV) for years and is known for his clear style, insight into the game, and reliable decisions. His appointment for the Dutch Premier League finals underscores his growth and professionalism. This earns him the title of Referee of the Year.
The Hague Sports Volunteerof the Year – Koos Hundepool (martial arts)
Koos Hundepool has been the driving force behind the Martial Arts Center The Hague for years. He mentors young and old alike—from bag training to Parkinson’s boxing—and creates a close-knit community with humor and warmth. With initiatives like “Koffie, Cake & Knalluh,” he brings a unique and connecting element to volunteering.
Koos Hundepool’s reaction: ” It’s incredibly exciting to win, a real surprise. I’ve been on the youth board since I was twelve. It’s in my blood. My message is: keep volunteering. Sports bring people together and keep them connected. I hope to inspire more people to become volunteers. “
Lifetime Achievement Award – Marit Bouwmeester (sailing)
After nearly twenty years at the world’s top, Marit Bouwmeester is ending her impressive career. With four Olympic medals, four world titles, and five European titles, she is the most successful sailor of all time. This year, she also opened the Marit Bouwmeester Academy, where she shares her knowledge with new generations. An extraordinary career, recognized with the lifetime achievement award.
The Hague Sports Gala is an initiative of the Municipality of The Hague; Department of Topsport, Sports Campus & Events.
The Beach Volleyball World Championships will be held in The Hague in the summer of 2027. After a successful 2015 World Championship, the global top-level sporting tournament returns to The Hague after a 12-year hiatus. The opening match, the semifinals, and the final for both the men’s and women’s events will be played here. Alderman for Sports Hilbert Bredemeijer is pleased that the World Championships have been successfully brought to The Hague: “The Hague is the top-level sports city by the sea and the beach volleyball capital of the Netherlands, and perhaps even the world.”
Earlier this year, the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) announced that the World Championship will be held in the Netherlands for the second time. Besides The Hague, Apeldoorn and Rotterdam will also be host cities. A fourth host city will most likely be added. The Hague will be the heart of the tournament, hosting the opening match, the semifinals, and the final. A total of sixty matches will take place in The Hague. Forty-eight women’s and 48 men’s teams will participate, including eight Dutch pairs. The final venues in The Hague will be announced later.
Sports Alderman Hilbert Bredemeijer: “When you think of beach volleyball, you think of The Hague. I’m proud that we’ve managed to bring the World Cup here. Everyone knows the historic images of the beach stadium on the Hofvijver during the 2015 World Cup. Millions of people watched worldwide. The summer of 2027 will be another sporting celebration, with an extensive side program to get residents, and especially children, involved in sports. The Hague has something to look forward to.”
The Hague takes action
This top-level sports tournament puts The Hague on the international map. Nearly 50,000 people came to The Hague for the 2015 World Cup, and the final attracted over twenty million viewers. With the tournament, the municipality aims to encourage residents to participate in sports, especially children and those in neighborhoods where people are less active. Therefore, a community activities program is being developed, including clinics by top athletes and sporting events in squares, on the beach, and in parks, and in collaboration with schools.
The Hague: the beach volleyball capital of the Netherlands
Besides the 2015 World Championship, The Hague hosted the European Beach Volleyball Championships in 2016, 2012, 2018, and 2024. The Zuiderpark Sports Campus is the home base of TeamNL, and the Centre of Excellence Beach Volleyball will also be located there. The year before the tournament, The Hague will host the Under-18 Beach Volleyball World Championship and the Under-22 Women’s Volleyball European Championship.
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Text: Gemeente Den Haag
Translation: The Hague Online
Photo: Match during the 2015 World Championships at the Hofvijver in The Hague.
Going into what was set to be a vital game for ADO Den Haag in pushing for their automatic promotion hopes, the home side sat atop the Eerste Divisie table with 19 points in 7 games. Taking wins in 6 of them. The league leaders faced Noord-Brabant opponents TOP Oss who were struggling mid table with just 10 points, just coming off the back of a disappointing 2-1 home loss to promotion hopefuls Roda JC. While ADO were still unbeaten in the league and had won the last 5 games in a row, and certainly looking to add to that with this Monday night fixture against TOP Oss.
The tone was set immediately by the home side as Curacao national and ADO winger Nigel Thomas picked up the ball well into the TOP Oss half and with a staggering turn of pace cut towards the by-line and played in a hopeful cross into the box, searching for a yellow and green shirt. The ball fortuitously deflected down into the feet of Den Haag marksman Jesse Bal who made no mistake from 15 yards out and placed the ball past the despairing Havekotte in goal. With just 6 minutes played the home side were 1-0 up and already had their sights on yet another league win.
The chances soon flooded after that, and just 8 minutes later another chance fell to ADO. This time to attacking midfielder Luka Reischl who didn’t manage to capitalise on a good cross in from Illiajah de Ruijter as TOP Oss number 1 Mike Havekotte got down well to his left hand side and parried the ball away. Unluckily the parry landed at the feet of goalscorer Nigel Thomas who too managed a shot on target but another parry by Havekotte, this time out of play, managed to subdue the ADO attack and provide restbite for the struggling away side.
On 25 minutes, however, the away side finally cracked again as a good corner ball found its way to the back post where it was headed down by defensive midfielder Juho Kilo toward centre back Diogo Tomas who flicked towards the goal and into the back of the net. Doubling the advantage for the home side, and securing that much needed 2 goal cushion. A cushion that was soon expanded to 3 just 10 minutes later as a good ball into the penalty area from the right hand side by Nigel Thomas found the head of Luka Reischl who made no mistake this time and directed the ball past Havekotte who was rooted to the spot. Giving the home side a 3 goal advantage in just 35 minutes.
The away side did manage a goal before the end of the first half, however, as tricky TOP Oss winger Joshua ZImmerman gave himself a yard with a good step over on the right hand side and played in a great cross to TOP number 9 Tijmen Wildeboer who scored what will likely go down as one of the goals of the month and perhaps the season as he superbly flicked the ball behind his left foot first time off the incoming cross and into the far corner, leaving Nikiema no chance. The score was now 3-1 to ADO with 44 minutes played.
The home side did manage to regain their 3 goal lead even before the break as with just 1 minute into added time a long range effort from Jari Vlak somehow beat Havekotte thanks to some poor goalkeeping as the ball went underneath the keeper’s dive to his left hand side. The score was 4-1 to ADO going into the halftime break.
In the second half a flood of chances were created by the home side, forcing some great saves and great defending from TOP Oss to prevent another ADO goal. This was until the 76th minute as an incoming free kick was headed down by Matteo Waem to Jari Vlak at the far post who easily volleyed it home to make it 5-1 from the home side and secure all 3 points as the final whistle confirmed the score.
ADO were now still top of the table and had extended their lead to 2 points ahead of second place Cambuur and still with a game in hand. Their eyes will now be turned to their next game which will undoubtedly be crucial in maintaining this good run of form as ADO are set to face lower mid-table Jong AZ away from home on Friday the 3rd of October.
MATCH FACTS:
ADO 5 – 1 TOP Oss
ADO: Bal (7), Tomas (26), Reischl (36), Vlak (45+2, 77)
From Thursday 10 to Saturday 12 April 2025, you can experience women’s tennis at the highest level at Sportcampus Zuiderpark, The Hague.
In the group stage of the Billie Jean King Cup, the Netherlands, Germany and Great Britain will compete against each other. Enjoy this spectacle and support your favourite in this battle!
Tickets are available by the day or as a passe-partout. With a passe-partout, you will experience three days full of tennis and get access to all matches at an attractive price.
Families and children can also benefit from special discounts on day tickets.
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity and reserve your tickets today!
