46 teams contested, beginning on 1 September 1979 and ending at the final on 17 May 1980.
Ajax unsuccessfully defended its 1979 title in the successful pursuit of Feyenoord at the KNVB Cup on 17 May 1980 in De Kuip, Rotterdam, 3–1.
During the quarter and semi-finals, two-legged matches were held.
1 Eerste Divisie; A Amateur teams The matches of the second round were played on October 13 and 14, 1979.
The quarter finals were played on February 27 and March 12, 1980.