The 2026 edition of Honkbalweek Haarlem is set to light up the Dutch city from June 26 through July 4, bringing together some of the world’s most promising baseball talent on the historic fields of Pim Mulier Stadium.
Honkbal, the Dutch compound of “honk” (base) and “bal” (ball), has long been the term that binds the nation’s love for the sport, and the weekly tournament stands as its premier showcase, drawing crowds that rival professional league attendances.
This year’s competition will feature six nations — Chinese Taipei, the Netherlands, Italy, Czechia, Curaçao, and the International Globetrotters — who will battle in a single round‑robin stage before the top four advance to a knockout playoff.
The road to the championship
The playoff bracket promises high stakes, with the final scheduled for early July, while a cherished tradition, the Old Stars Game, will precede the championship contest, giving fans a nostalgic glimpse of tournament veterans.
Among the players expected to make an impact are rising MLB prospects such as Paul Skenes, Dylan Crews, Wyatt Langford, Kyle Teel, and Jacob Wilson, all of whom have previously tested their mettle at earlier Honkbalweek editions.
Veteran Dutch stars like Xander Bogaerts and Kenley Jansen, alongside international icons Andruw Jones, Andrelton Simmons, Jurickson Profar, Hiromi Itoh, Teruaki Sato, and Matt Tallarini, will also be part of the narrative, underscoring the tournament’s role as a bridge between generations.
Broadcast coverage will be provided by the World Baseball Network, which will stream every game live and offer real‑time stats through the KNBSB portal, while tickets ranging from €14 to €38 can be purchased via the official website.
Beyond the on‑field drama, the event highlights the Netherlands’ standing as one of Europe’s baseball powerhouses, a status reinforced by a rich history of gold medals — the United States leads with 14 — and a pipeline that continues to feed Major League Baseball with elite talent.