Bekertitel

Bekertitel is a Dutch term used to denote the title awarded to the winner of a national cup competition in a sport, most commonly football. It contrasts with the league title, which is earned by the best performance over a season in the league format. A bekertitel is won through a knockout tournament in which teams advance by winning rounds until a final.

Cup competitions are typically structured as single-elimination rounds, with possible two-legged ties in earlier rounds and a final played at a neutral venue. Ties may go to extra time and penalties if needed. The precise format varies by country and sport and can change over time. The bekertitel adds to a club’s honours and is often a source of national pride. In many countries, the cup winner earns qualification to regional or continental competitions, or serves as a route to a super cup. The importance of the title varies by country and sport but remains a major trophy for many clubs.

In the Netherlands, the term bekertitel is most closely associated with the KNVB Cup, known in Dutch as the KNVB Beker, the national knockout football competition. The clubs with multiple bekertitels generally include the country’s major teams, such as Ajax, PSV, and Feyenoord, which are frequently cited for their cup successes. The concept of a bekertitel also applies to cup competitions in other sports and countries.

See also: cup competition; national cup; KNVB Cup; list of football cup finals.