The Dutch Eerste Divisie (Keuken Kampioen Divisie) enters its penultimate round today, Friday, April 17, 2026. While the champagne is already flowing in The Hague and Leeuwarden, the race for the final promotion play-off spots remains a chaotic, high-stakes scramble.
As we look at Round 37, here is the state of play for the promotion and relegation stories shaping the final weeks of the 2025/26 season.
The Promotion Story: Mission Accomplished for the Top Two
The battle for automatic promotion is officially over. Both ADO Den Haag and SC Cambuur have already mathematically secured their return to the Eredivisie.
- ADO Den Haag (1st, 83 pts): The resident powerhouses have been untouchable this year, officially clinching the title and promotion in late March. Led by a record-breaking calendar year in 2025, they have maintained a dominant 8-point cushion at the summit.
- SC Cambuur (2nd, 75 pts): Henk de Jong has worked his magic once again, securing promotion with five games to spare after a 4-2 win over Emmen on March 24. This marks De Jong’s third promotion with the Frisian club, cementing his legendary status in Leeuwarden.
The Play-off Scramble: Where the Heat Is
With the top two spots gone, the focus shifts to the Nacompetitie (promotion play-offs). In the Eerste Divisie, play-off spots are awarded to the winners of the four periods and the highest-placed teams in the final table not already promoted.
- Willem II (3rd, 62 pts): Having won Period 3, the Tilburg side is safe in the play-offs and is now fighting to maintain a high seed to ensure home advantage in the later rounds.
- De Graafschap (4th, 60 pts): A consistent force this season, they are powered by the form of Reuven Niemeijer, who has netted 19 goals. They host Cambuur today in a prestige clash to solidify their 4th-place standing.
- The Bubble (6th – 9th): This is where today’s drama lies. Almere City (55 pts), RKC Waalwijk (55 pts), and Roda JC (54 pts) are separated by just one point. FC Den Bosch (50 pts) still has a mathematical chance to break into the top 8 if results go their way.
The Relegation “Story”: Stability Over Drops
Per the KNVB’s long-standing agreement, there is currently no mandatory relegation from the Eerste Divisie to the amateur Tweede Divisie (this suspension is active until at least 2027-2030).
The only “relegation” threat this year was financial. Vitesse began the season with a 12-point deduction following a successful appeal to regain their professional license. Despite starting at -12, the Arnhem side has recovered remarkably to sit 12th in the table with 43 points, proving they are still a competitive force even in a rebuilding year.
Round 37: Predictions for the Key Matches
ADO Den Haag vs RKC Waalwijk
The champions are playing for pride and records, but RKC Waalwijk is desperate. RKC needs points to keep Roda JC at bay for that final play-off security. ADO hasn’t drawn in 33 of their last 34 matches, suggesting a winner-takes-all affair.
- Prediction: Home Win. Even with the title secured, ADO’s attacking efficiency (averaging 2.3 goals per game) should be too much for an inconsistent RKC defense.
De Graafschap vs SC Cambuur
A heavyweight clash at De Vijverberg. Both teams are safe, but both play a high-octane, attacking style. With Niemeijer (19 goals) for the hosts and Cambuur’s youthful energy, expect goals.
- Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals. Both teams have “unlocked” their tactical setups now that the pressure of promotion is gone.
Willem II vs Jong AZ
Willem II is in excellent form and looking to secure 3rd place. Facing a youth side at home in the final stretch is a perfect opportunity to build momentum for the play-offs.
- Prediction: Home Win. The experience of the Tilburg side will likely overwhelm the Jong AZ prospects.
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Current Top Scorers (as of April 17, 2026)
- Romano Postema (FC Emmen): 22 Goals
- Reuven Niemeijer (De Graafschap): 19 Goals
- Devin Haen (Willem II): 17 Goals
- Julian Rijkhoff (Almere City): 16 Goals