Events

In the years to come, the KNVB will focus on preparing bids to host major international events in the Netherlands. The next one? The UEFA European Under-19 Championship (men) in 2029!

In recent years, the Netherlands has established a solid reputation when it comes to the organisation of events. UEFA and FIFA consider the KNVB as a reliable and stable partner.

Examples of international events hosted by the Netherlands are the 2000 European Championship, the Under-20 World Cup in 2005, the European Under-21 Championship in 2007, the Europa League Final in 2013, WEURO 2017, EURO 2020, FEURO 20222 and most recently the UEFA Women's Champions League final 2023 and the UEFA Nations League finals 2023.

2029 UEFA European Under-19 Championship (men)

The UEFA European Under-19 Championship (men’s) will be held in the Netherlands in 2029! This was the first time the KNVB had put itself forward as a candidate to host this tournament. Dutch football fans can look forward to a safe, inclusive and inspiring event that will contribute to the international development of top talent.

Gijs de Jong, General Secretary of the KNVB: "We are incredibly proud to have secured this fantastic tournament for the Netherlands. In the Under-19 age group, you see Europe’s greatest talents taking significant steps towards their big breakthrough. The prospect of being able to make a significant contribution to that through this tournament is a wonderful one."

The beating heart

The fact that youth football has been the beating heart of Dutch football for years, combined with the close cooperation with the clubs and host cities, was the deciding factor for UEFA in choosing the KNVB to organise the tournament. The European Championship will be played in Emmen (De Oude Meerdijk), Veendam (Henk Nienhuis Stadium), Almere (Yanmar Stadium) and Volendam (Kras Stadium). The KNVB is grateful to the clubs FC Emmen, Veendam 1894, Almere City FC and FC Volendam for their excellent cooperation in putting together the succesfull bid.

Mental health

In addition to the sporting aspect, the KNVB will use the tournament as a catalyst for social impact. Various initiatives aimed at improving young people’s mental health could receive a boost through the organisation of this tournament. This is necessary because research shows that almost one in five young people in the Netherlands experiences mental health issues. Football is being used as a powerful tool to break down taboos, start conversations and make young people stronger both physically and mentally. The KNVB looks forward to making a difference in this area long after the tournament has ended.

Lasting legacies

In the coming years, the KNVB will be bidding to host more international events in the Netherlands, building on a beautiful legacy such as WEURO 2017. Events are meant for the fans. Everyone who supports the Dutch national team should have the opportunity to cheer them on at a World Cup or European Championship held in the Netherlands. Attending a European championship or World Cup match is, for many, an experience of a lifetime. 

We seek to create events with lasting legacies. The KNVB believes that the legacy of each football event in the Netherlands must be positive and long-lasting. This can only be achieved if all parties cooperate.

For more information, please contact:

Gijs de Jong

KNVB Secretary-General

• gijs.dejong@knvb.nl