From 10–16 August 2026, Europe’s best swimmers will compete at the in Paris. For Dutch swimmers, qualification for this championship takes place exclusively during the in Eindhoven from 2–5 July 2026.
The European Swimming Trials will serve as the official Dutch qualification event for the European Championships in Paris, following the Dutch “all-or-nothing” qualification philosophy.
One Qualification Moment. One Chance.
The KNZB qualification system is based on a clear principle: every swimmer competes under the same conditions, at the same event, in the same pool. For long course international championships, swimmers have one official qualification opportunity shortly before the main event.
For the European Championships 2026 this means:
- Qualification is only possible during the European Swimming Trials in Eindhoven
- No other national or international competitions will count
- Qualification times can only be achieved in the A-finals
- Split times, relay lead-offs or time trials are not valid for qualification
This format creates maximum pressure and maximum performance, exactly what international championship racing demands.
Qualification Rules for Paris 2026
According to the KNZB qualification handbook:
- The minimum qualification standards equal the World Aquatics A standards from 2024
- A maximum of four swimmers per individual event may be selected
- Swimmers aged 16 and older are eligible for selection
- Younger swimmers may still be selected at the discretion of the selection committee
- Relay teams are selected from swimmers who already qualified individually
- In exceptional relay medal opportunities, additional swimmers may be added to the team
Dutch Performance Standards – Paris 2026
| Event | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| 50 freestyle | 00:22,1 | 00:24,9 |
| 100 freestyle | 00:48,3 | 00:54,3 |
| 200 freestyle | 01:46,7 | 01:58,2 |
| 400 freestyle | 03:48,1 | 04:10,2 |
| 800 freestyle | 07:48,7 | 08:34,6 |
| 1500 freestyle | 15:01,9 | 16:24,6 |
| 50 backstroke | 00:25,1 | 00:28,2 |
| 100 backstroke | 00:53,9 | 01:00,5 |
| 200 backstroke | 01:58,1 | 02:11,1 |
| 50 breaststroke | 00:27,3 | 00:30,7 |
| 100 breaststroke | 00:59,8 | 01:06,9 |
| 200 breaststroke | 02:10,3 | 02:25,9 |
| 50 butterfly | 00:23,4 | 00:26,2 |
| 100 butterfly | 00:51,8 | 00:58,3 |
| 200 butterfly | 01:56,5 | 02:09,2 |
| 200 individual medley | 01:59,1 | 02:12,8 |
| 400 individual medley | 04:17,5 | 04:43,1 |
Under-23 Qualification Standards
The KNZB also maintains a dedicated Under-23 pathway to support the transition from junior to senior international swimming. Swimmers born in 2004 or later may qualify using separate U23 standards.
The U23 qualification standards for Paris 2026 are slightly more accessible than the senior standards while still requiring international-level performances.
| Event | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| 50 freestyle | 00:22,4 | 00:25,2 |
| 100 freestyle | 00:49,1 | 00:55,1 |
| 200 freestyle | 01:48,3 | 02:00,0 |
| 400 freestyle | 03:51,6 | 04:14,0 |
| 800 freestyle | 07:55,7 | 08:42,3 |
| 1500 freestyle | 15:15,4 | 16:39,3 |
| 50 backstroke | 00:25,5 | 00:28,6 |
| 100 backstroke | 00:54,7 | 01:01,4 |
| 200 backstroke | 01:59,8 | 02:13,1 |
| 50 breaststroke | 00:27,7 | 00:31,2 |
| 100 breaststroke | 01:00,7 | 01:07,9 |
| 200 breaststroke | 02:12,3 | 02:28,1 |
| 50 butterfly | 00:23,7 | 00:26,6 |
| 100 butterfly | 00:52,6 | 00:59,2 |
| 200 butterfly | 01:58,3 | 02:11,1 |
| 200 individual medley | 02:00,8 | 02:14,8 |
| 400 individual medley | 04:21,3 | 04:47,3 |
Official Team Announcement
The final Dutch team for Paris 2026 will be announced shortly after the conclusion of the European Swimming Trials in Eindhoven. In line with Dutch tradition, selections are typically announced directly at the pool shortly after the final event concludes.
Please note that typing errors, translation differences or minor inaccuracies may occur on this page. Official qualification rules, procedures and requirements can always be found in the official KNZB Qualification Handbook published on KNZB.nl