KNVB highlights innovation, heritage and World Cup ambition during FIFA Secretary General visit

Gijs de Jong and Mattias Grafström. - Foto: KNVB Media

The Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) recently welcomed FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström to the KNVB Campus in Zeist, underlining the Netherlands’ continued leadership in combining high-performance football with innovation.

During his visit, his first to Zeist, Grafström experienced firsthand how the KNVB Campus serves as a unique environment where elite sport, technology and knowledge development come together. The visit coincided with an important moment for Dutch football, as the Netherlands men’s national team continues preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, while also marking ten years since the passing of Johan Cruyff.

For the KNVB, the visit provided an opportunity to demonstrate how its integarated approach, from grassroots to elite level, supports both current performance and long-term development of the game.

Gijs de Jong

Gijs de Jong, General Secretary of the KNVB: "It was a great privilege to host the FIFA Secretary General at our campus in Zeist. As one of FIFA’s founding members, we feel a strong responsibility to contribute to the global development of football, both on and off the pitch."

"At the KNVB Campus, performance and innovation are closely connected and reinforce each other every day. From preparing our national teams for major tournaments to developing new ideas with partners, this is where the future of football takes shape."

The presence of the Netherlands men’s national team during the visit highlighted the direct link between innovation and elite performance. As the squad intensifies its preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, the KNVB continues to invest in creating optimal conditions for players and staff to perform at the highest level.

Johan Cruyff

At the same time, the visit paid tribute to Johan Cruyff, whose legacy remains deeply embedded in Dutch football philosophy. His vision of total football continues to inspire how the KNVB approaches both player development and the broader evolution of the game.

De Jong reflected on this legacy. "Johan Cruyff’s influence is still visible in everything we do, from how we train players to how we think about innovation and creativity in football. Honouring that legacy means continuing to evolve and to stay ahead."

Discussions during the visit also focused on the international football agenda, including the upcoming FIFA Congress and the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States. The KNVB reaffirmed its commitment to playing an active role within FIFA and the wider football ecosystem.

“Moments like this strengthen the connection between national associations and FIFA. By sharing knowledge, aligning on key topics and looking ahead together, we ensure that football continues to grow globally in a sustainable and inspiring way", De Jong concluded.

With preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ well underway, the KNVB remains focused on supporting its national teams while continuing to lead in innovation, building on a rich history to shape the future of the game.