AZ 4-0 PSV – Johan Cruyff Shield 2026

The Johan Cruyff Shield opened the Dutch 2026/27 season on 2 August 2026 at Eindhoven’s Philips Stadion. PSV entered as defending Eredivisie champions, while AZ were missing captain Jordy Clasie and right‑back Denso Kasius through injury.

Ahead of the match, PSV announced a starting eleven that included goalkeeper Matej Kovar; defenders Killian Sildillia, Ryan Flamingo, Yarek Gasiorowski and left‑back Noah Fernandez; new captain Mauro Junior in midfield alongside Joey Veerman and new signing Sven Mijnans; winger Dennis Man and striker Alassane Plea returning from injury. The KNVB appointed Serdar Gözübüyük as referee.

Early in the match, PSV midfielder Joey Veerman received a direct red card in the ninth minute after a high‑raised foot struck AZ forward Mexx Meerdink on the head, a decision upheld by VAR. Reduced to ten men, PSV could not recover. AZ took the lead with Meerdink’s header in the 25th minute and extended it through Weslley Patati (51'), Elijah Dijkstra (58') and Ro‑Zangelo Daal (66', from the penalty spot), securing a 4‑0 victory.

PSV started Romanian international Dennis Man, who was substituted at halftime as the team regrouped for upcoming Eredivisie fixtures. AZ left‑back Mateo Chávez contributed to the build‑up of the first goal, and goalkeeper Jari De Busser kept a clean sheet. The win marks AZ’s second Johan Cruyff Shield title, the first having been won in the 2009/10 season, and Veerman’s dismissal means he will miss the opening Eredivisie match. Post‑match reports described the performance as a comprehensive victory, setting the tone for both clubs ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.