The ABN AMRO 2026 EHL FINALS will be held at HC ’s-Hertogenbosch next Easter from April 1-6 with the club set to host the world’s best club competition for the second successive season.
The announcement was made in Barcelona following the conclusion of the EHL Men KO16 where the last sides to qualify for next Easter’s festival were confirmed.
“We are delighted to return for a second time to Den Bosch,” said EHL chairman Peter Elders. “We were so impressed by their hosting along with the sponsorship of Brabant Sport which created such a special atmosphere last Easter. We are very happy to return to the club and work together once again.”
Beyond the elite hockey, the event is a celebration of all forms of hockey including the ABN AMRO-sponsored Hockey ID championship, EHL Under 14, Walking Hockey and Hockey 5s competitions.
“I’m proud that our club is hosting the world’s premier club hockey tournament for the second consecutive year,” said Rob Almering, outgoing chair.
“Securing the EHL for ’s-Hertogenbosch and North Brabant, with our club as the host venue, has been a shared ambition and a personal priority. Elite sport unites, youth inspires, and together we create impact; this is hockey for everyone.”
“The 2025 EHL was a celebration of everything that makes North Brabant proud and vibrant, the passion for the sport, our club’s incredible dedication, and flawless organisation.
“That 2025 EHL experience in ’s-Hertogenbosch was one of several turning points for me and inspired me to take on the role of chair for our club,” said chair-designate Chantal van Oijen.
The draw was also made in Barcelona with the match-ups for the EHL Women FINAL12 and EHL Men FINAL8 confirmed.
In the women’s competition, Irish champions Railway Union will be up against Scottish newcomers Watsonian Hockey Club in the FINAL12 with the winner going on to face the hosts and reigning champions HC ’s-Hertogenbosch.
The next section of the draw sees last year’s bronze medalists Gantoise begin their campaign against SK Slavia Prague. The victor from that game will play Spanish number one side Club de Campo de Madrid.
On the other side of the draw, English debutantes Reading will be up against 2024 finalists Mannheimer HC. Waiting for them in the FINAL8 is German champions Harvestehuder THC.
And the final quadrant of the draw sees Dutch side SCHC up against Spanish Copa de la Reina winners Club Egara in the FINAL12 phase. Whoever wins that will go through to meet the Belgian champions and last year’s silver medalists Braxgata.
On the men’s side, the FINAL8 draw features two Dutch-German battles on the left side of the draw. AH&BC Amsterdam are up against KO16 qualifiers Hamburger Polo Club with the winner of that contest going on to face either SV Kampong or Crefelder HTC.
The other half of the draw sees English champions Surbiton up against Club de Campo de Madrid who shone in Barcelona last weekend.
Their prize for progressing will be a FINAL4 date with either Old Georgians – following their memorable win over Bloemendaal – or reigning champions Gantoise.
The match schedule and ticket details are set to be confirmed later this week.
