The three promoted teams have struggled to find their footing in the new Eredivisie season. ADO Den Haag, the 2025 Keuken Kampioen Divisie champions, lost 0-2 to AZ in their opening match and then suffered a 1-4 defeat against FC Groningen. SC Cambuur, the 2025 Keuken Kampioen Divisie runners-up, fared even worse, losing 0-4 to Excelsior and 3-1 to Fortuna Sittard. Willem II, meanwhile, lost twice, 4-1 to Go Ahead Eagles and NEC.
This historic poor start is not without precedent. In 1995/96, two promoted teams, De Graafschap and Fortuna Sittard, had a goal difference of -8 after two games. In 1997/98, one promoted team, MVV, also had a goal difference of -8 after two games. ADO Den Haag, SC Cambuur, and Willem II have a combined goal difference of -17 after two games, making their situation even more dire.