Keuken Kampioen Divisie Showdown: De Graafschap Hosts RKC Waalwijk in Crucial Clash
On January 23, 2026, De Graafschap will host RKC Waalwijk at Stadion De Vijverberg in a significant Keuken Kampioen Divisie encounter. This match is crucial for both teams' league standings and potential playoff aspirations, particularly for De Graafschap aiming for the top and RKC Waalwijk striving to climb the table.
Match Background & Qualification Scenarios
The Keuken Kampioen Divisie, also known as the Dutch First Division, is the second-highest tier of football in the Netherlands, featuring 20 teams in the 2025-26 season. The league champion and runner-up earn automatic promotion to the Eredivisie. Seven other clubs, including the 16th-placed Eredivisie team and four 'period' winners from the Keuken Kampioen Divisie, enter the Nacompetitie (promotion playoffs). Notably, there is no automatic relegation from the Eerste Divisie, with relegation to the third tier having been suspended for 5 to 10 years since June 2022.
De Graafschap, the home team, is a traditionally competitive side in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie, often contending for promotion. As of the current 2025-26 season, De Graafschap holds the third position in the league table, indicating a strong campaign. RKC Waalwijk, their opponent, was relegated from the Eredivisie in the 2024-25 season and is competing in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie this season. They will be aiming to re-establish themselves in the second tier and fight for a return to the top flight. RKC Waalwijk is currently positioned ninth in the 2025-26 Eerste Divisie table.
Recent Form
De Graafschap has shown solid form in their recent five league matches, securing three wins and two losses. They clinched away victories against Jong Utrecht and Vitesse, both by a 3-2 scoreline in December 2025. Although they suffered a 0-2 defeat to Almere City FC on January 18, 2026, they had previously beaten TOP Oss 3-2 on December 20. RKC Waalwijk, based on available data, has recorded two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five official matches, scoring 14 goals and conceding 6 during this period. Notably, De Graafschap secured a dominant 4-1 away victory against RKC Waalwijk on November 9, 2025, a result that could carry psychological weight into this upcoming fixture.
Key Players & Injury News
De Graafschap boasts several influential players. In attack, Bouke Boersma and Reuven Niemeijer have been prolific scorers, each netting 11 goals. Ibrahim El Kadiri has contributed 5 goals and 4 assists, also noted for his strong dribbling. Midfielders Jevon Simons and Arjen van der Heide are key creators with 5 and 4 assists respectively. Defender Othniël Raterink has also provided 4 assists. For RKC Waalwijk, Denilho Cleonise is a primary playmaker with 4 assists, while Richard van der Venne has chipped in with 3 goals and 4 assists. As of now, there are no significant new injury reports for either team leading up to the January 23, 2026 match.