Belgian club welcomes restart with all to play for
Antwerp
Teams, tales and tips – a guide to the local game
Hub of fashion, diamonds and art masterpieces, Antwerp isn’t always associated with football. But Belgium’s second city is home to the country’s oldest club and most venerable local derby. In 2019, for the first time since 2003-04, Antwerp almost had two clubs in the top division. One, Royal Antwerp, not only have a regal name but, of all Belgium’s several thousand clubs granted a matricule registration number, are officially No.1. Populist Beerschot are based at the former Olympisch Stadion where the 1920 Games were held. Even by Belgian standards, their history is so convoluted even Hercule Poirot would struggle to untangle its mysteries. In a further twist, in 2019, Beerschot almost gained promotion through the back door until Mechelen’s enforced relegation due to previous match fixing was rescinded.




Getting Around
Arriving in town, local transport and timings

Where to Drink
The best pubs and bars for football fans












Where to stay
The best hotels for the stadiums and city centre












Teams, tales and tips – a guide to the local game
Hub of fashion, diamonds and art masterpieces, Antwerp isn’t always associated with football. But Belgium’s second city is home to the country’s oldest club and most venerable local derby. In 2019, for the first time since 2003-04, Antwerp almost had two clubs in the top division. One, Royal Antwerp, not only have a regal name but, of all Belgium’s several thousand clubs granted a matricule registration number, are officially No.1. Populist Beerschot are based at the former Olympisch Stadion where the 1920 Games were held. Even by Belgian standards, their history is so convoluted even Hercule Poirot would struggle to untangle its mysteries. In a further twist, in 2019, Beerschot almost gained promotion through the back door until Mechelen’s enforced relegation due to previous match fixing was rescinded.




Getting Around
Arriving in town, local transport and timings

Where to Drink
The best pubs and bars for football fans












Where to stay
The best hotels for the stadiums and city centre












Belgian city welcomes restart with all to play for

