Harry Styles concerts clash with possible Ajax European play-off games
Ajax may be unable to play home games in the European play-offs in their home stadium, the Johan Cruijff ArenA, because the stadium is currently booked for concerts by pop star Harry Styles during those dates. Even though no concerts are scheduled on those specific dates, the stadium cannot host football matches because the concert stage will remain in place, and the logistical and security requirements make it impossible to organize a match in between.
The Johan Cruijff ArenA has been booked from May 16 to June 5, 2026, for a series of ten concerts by Harry Styles, scheduled for May 16, 17, 20, 22, 23, 26, 29, and 30, and June 4 and 5. At the same time, the Eredivisie traditionally holds play-offs at the end of the season to determine a European qualification spot, with the semi-finals on May 21 and the final on May 24.
A stadium spokesperson said there is an agreement between Ajax and the Johan Cruijff ArenA, under which the venue is always reserved for Eredivisie, KNVB Cup, and European matches.
However, this arrangement does not apply to the play-offs in May and June. From roughly mid-May to mid-July, Ajax does not pay rent for the stadium, meaning the ArenA is free to use the venue for large events such as concerts.
The situation will only arise if Ajax are unable to finish any higher than fifth in the league table; the spots from fifth to eighth mean play-offs for European football. The Amsterdammers are currently in fifth place, having announced a change of manager until the end of the season.
If Ajax do end up in the play-offs, the options would be to either find a different suitable stadium, give up home advantage, or discuss the matter with the KNVB, the Dutch Football Association.
This could be a significant disadvantage for Ajax as they have picked up 2.08 points per game at home this season, but only 1,31 points per game away.
The Johan Cruijff ArenA has been Ajax’s home since 1996. It has a capacity for 55,000 fans for football matches, with concerts being able to host 71,000 people.
