ALKMAAR, Netherlands (Interstat) — AZ will host NAC Breda on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at AFAS Stadion in an Eredivisie matchup that carries implications for both sides as the season winds down. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. local time.

AZ enters the contest on a mixed run of form. The home side drew 1-1 at Feyenoord on May 10, a result that followed a 2-2 draw against Twente on May 3. Prior to that, AZ suffered a surprising 5-4 defeat at Tuzla City on the same day, though that match may have been a friendly or cup tie. In league play, AZ has been solid at home, posting a 3-0 win over Heerenveen on April 12 and a 4-0 victory against Heracles on March 15. However, the team has also struggled defensively at times, including a 3-0 loss to Shakhtar Donetsk in April and a 2-0 defeat at Utrecht on March 1.

NAC Breda visits Alkmaar after a 2-0 victory at home against Heerenveen on May 11, a result that ended a three-match losing streak. Before that, NAC suffered back-to-back 2-0 losses to Utrecht (May 2) and Ajax (April 25). The road team has been inconsistent this season, with notable highs such as a 6-0 thrashing of Willem II on March 14, but also heavy defeats like a 4-1 loss at Almere City on April 11. Defensive frailties have plagued NAC, particularly in away matches.

The head-to-head record favors AZ. In the most recent meeting, AZ won 1-0 at NAC Breda on Aug. 31, 2025. That result extends AZ’s recent dominance in the series, as the Alkmaar side has controlled possession in previous encounters.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 2-1 victory for AZ. The prediction aligns with AZ’s stronger overall season form and home advantage. NAC, however, will look to build on its clean-sheet performance against Heerenveen and disrupt AZ’s rhythm in midfield.

Both teams are vying for position in the upper half of the Eredivisie table. AZ sits in fifth place, while NAC is currently in sixth. A win for AZ would solidify its hold on a potential European qualification spot. A victory for NAC, meanwhile, would tighten the standings and boost its bid for a top-five finish.

AZ will be without injured forward Vangelis Pavlidis, who remains sidelined with a hamstring issue. NAC Breda will rely on striker Milan van Ewijk, who leads the team in goals this season.

Sunday’s match is the final regular-season meeting between the two clubs. The Eredivisie season concludes the following weekend, with both teams facing opponents in the bottom half of the table.