Alex MacQuoid
Two Benelux neighbours meet at AFAS Stadion on 22 July in what is, on paper, a low-stakes pre-season outing — but there is a genuine competitive undercurrent here. AZ Alkmaar, under Lee-Roy Echteld, have been inconsistent across their last four fixtures: one win, one loss, two draws. Genk, guided by Nicky Hayen, arrive in noticeably sharper shape, collecting three wins from their last five outings with zero draws in that period, which tells you something about how direct they are being in pre-season. The Belgian side’s all-or-nothing approach makes this more interesting than the friendly label suggests.
One player to keep an eye on for Genk is whoever Hayen trusts to lead the press in the final third — their recent 4-3 win over Motherwell showed an attacking unit willing to take risks defensively in pursuit of goals. For AZ, the creative hub in midfield will be tested by Genk’s intensity; whoever occupies that role for Echteld’s side will either dictate the tempo or be overrun.
Hot stat: Genk scored five goals against Eendracht Termien and followed that up with a 4-3 thriller against Motherwell — their last five matches have produced at least two goals in every single fixture, making them one of the more goal-active sides in this pre-season window.
| 🏆 Tournament: | International Club Friendly 2026 — July Phase |
| 🏟 Venue: | AFAS Stadion, Alkmaar |
| 🗓️ Date: | 22.07.2026 |
| ⏰ Time: | 18:30 CEST |
AZ Alkmaar vs Genk Prediction
Genk’s form over the last 30 days is the clearest signal here. A 60% win rate from five matches, no draws, and a direct style that produces goals in bunches — that is a team that comes into this fixture with momentum. AZ, by contrast, have drawn twice and sit on a 25% win rate in the same period. Their most recent result was a 1-1 draw with Zulte Waregem, which was reasonably competitive but hardly inspiring. The 3-3 draw with Gent before that suggests their defensive shape is not airtight either.
Genk’s 1-2 loss to Fortuna Sittard and the 0-1 defeat to Falkirk are the two blemishes, but both came in quick succession and may reflect squad rotation more than a structural problem. Their 2-1 win over Beveren showed composure when required. We think Genk edges this one, but the margin will likely be tight given AZ’s home advantage and the friendly context where neither manager is obliged to win.
AZ tend to be relatively organised in how they build, and their pass-based approach can be methodical. Genk press higher and commit more bodies forward, which creates space on the counter — something AZ have shown they can exploit. Fouls and card data are unavailable for this window, so we are reading the tactical picture through results and opponent quality rather than disciplinary trends. The Belgian side’s aggressive shape will likely draw more free kicks and disrupt AZ’s rhythm in the middle third, which could limit the Dutch side’s ability to control possession for long stretches.
- Main tip: Genk to win
- Both teams to score: Yes
- Over 2.5 goals: Yes
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Genk to win and both teams to score |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Over 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | Yes |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 7.5 |
Team Analysis
AZ Alkmaar head into this match having played four games in the last 30 days. The record reads one win, one loss, two draws — which is functional but not convincing for a side that wants to build momentum heading into the new season. Their 2-1 win over Almere City was the high point, showing they can find a way through when the pressure is on. The 0-1 defeat to Anderlecht was the low point, and it came against a side that has itself been inconsistent, which makes the loss sting a little more in context. Most recently, the 1-1 draw with Zulte Waregem — a side in decent form — hints at a team still finding its defensive balance. The earlier 3-3 draw with Gent is honest evidence that AZ can score freely but give up goals almost as easily. Across this year they have won 14 of 32 matches, a 44% win rate that puts them in mid-table territory for output.
Genk’s last five matches paint a livelier picture. They began with a comfortable 5-1 win over Eendracht Termien, then beat Beveren 2-1 in a more controlled performance. The 4-3 win over Motherwell was chaotic but productive. Then came back-to-back losses: 1-2 to Fortuna Sittard and 0-1 to Falkirk. That Falkirk result is the most recent one, and it is worth noting that Falkirk themselves are not in exceptional form — so the defeat is a mild concern rather than a crisis. Genk’s overall record this year is 17 wins from 34 matches, a 50% win rate that comfortably outpaces AZ’s. In the July friendly standings, Genk sit at 142nd with 9 points from 5 games — three wins and two losses, no draws, which honestly reflects how binary their pre-season has been.
🚨Check out our dedicated AZ Alkmaar vs Genk stats page for more info.
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Genk. Source: Official Facebook. Edited photo
TipsGG Match Prediction
Genk win or both teams to score — honestly, either outcome is defensible here. AZ’s back line has conceded in every one of their last five matches across all competitions, and Genk’s forward players have shown they will press relentlessly from the first whistle. The 3-3 draw AZ played with Gent — a side ranked not far from Genk in the Belgian football ecosystem — suggests AZ can score but also give up chances with regularity. Genk’s 4-3 win over Motherwell, chaotic as it was, showed a team that does not switch off even when leading.
We think the match ends with goals at both ends, probably three or more in total. Genk’s direct pressing and willingness to commit men forward should trouble AZ’s build-up. AZ will find moments on the counter — they have the quality — but maybe not enough to keep Genk from finding the net at least once. A Genk win by a single goal, with AZ pulling one back, feels like the most probable scenario. Both teams to score at over 2.5 total goals is the tip we are most confident in from this fixture.
