AFC Ajax will face German Bundesliga side VfL Bochum in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Sportpark De Toekomst in Amsterdam. The match is part of both clubs' preparations ahead of the 2026–27 campaign, and is intended to provide tactical work, fitness minutes and playing time for recent signings and academy prospects.
Warm-up match aims
The game comes after Ajax split their opening two pre-season fixtures, while Bochum arrive having recorded back-to-back wins in their summer schedule. Managers on both sides are expected to use the contest to refine systems rather than prioritise a result. Ajax are concentrating on ball movement, positional play and transitions, whereas Bochum have been working on an aggressive pressing approach that seeks to disrupt opponents high up the pitch.
Team news and likely changes
Ajax will be missing forward Kasper Dolberg and defender Ahmetcan Kaplan, who continue to recover from minor injuries. The Dutch club is expected to rotate its squad heavily, particularly in the second half, to give academy players additional opportunities to impress coaching staff.
"Ajax will be without forward Kasper Dolberg and defender Ahmetcan Kaplan, as both continue to recover from minor injuries."
Like most pre-season fixtures, extensive substitutions are likely as both managers manage minutes and assess fitness levels across their squads.
Brief head-to-head note
The two clubs have not met frequently in competitive play. Their most notable recent encounters came in the 1997–98 UEFA Cup round of 16, a two-legged tie won by Ajax on aggregate.
| Fixture | Score | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 1997–98 UEFA Cup — first leg | Ajax 4–2 Bochum | Ajax win |
| 1997–98 UEFA Cup — second leg | Bochum 2–2 Ajax | Draw; Ajax advanced 6–4 on aggregate |
For local fans tracking Ajax's summer work, the match offers another look at how the club's possession-based style fares against a German side prioritising pressure and quick disruptions. Observers should expect experimentation in personnel and tactics rather than a fixed starting XI or a pursuit of a definitive result.
- Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2026
- Venue: Sportpark De Toekomst, Amsterdam
- Key absences: Kasper Dolberg, Ahmetcan Kaplan
