Denmark were eliminated after conceding in the third minute through Pavel Sulc, who finished with his right foot from the center of the box following a corner kick. They regained hope with a 72nd-minute goal from Joachim Andersen, which forced extra time, where both teams scored to make it 2-2 and send the match to penalties. Denmark had previously defeated North Macedonia 4-0 in the same playoff stage.

With this result, Group A will be composed of Mexico, South Africa, Korea Republic, and Czech Republic. After battling and with more spots available in this edition, Denmark missed the opportunity, while Czech Republic secured their place.

When was the last time Denmark played in a World Cup?

The last time Denmark played in a World Cup was at Qatar 2022. In that tournament, the team coached by Kasper Hjulmand entered with high expectations after reaching the semifinals of the European Championship and delivering a strong qualifying campaign, but their performance fell short.

Denmark were eliminated in the group stage after a scoreless draw against Tunisia and defeats to France, 2-1, and Australia, 1-0, finishing at the bottom of their group.

When was the last time Denmark missed a World Cup?

The last time Denmark missed a World Cup was ahead of the World Cup in Brazil 2014. On that occasion, despite finishing second in their qualifying group behind Italy, they failed to reach the playoffs after being ranked as the lowest second-place team among the UEFA groups.

Before their appearance in Qatar, Denmark had delivered notable performances in previous editions, reaching a total of six World Cup appearances: 1986, 1998, 2002, 2010, 2018, and 2022. Their best result remains the quarterfinal run at France 1998, where they were eliminated in a 3-2 match against Brazil led by Ronaldo Nazario and Rivaldo. In Russia 2018, they also showed a solid level, reaching the Round of 16, where they were eliminated on penalties by Croatia.

This matchup represents a critical step for Brian Riemer‘s team after falling short of direct qualification. The format leaves no room for long-term recovery, turning every phase of the match into a potential turning point.

As a result, all attention shifts to the possible outcomes and what each would mean moving forward. Whether it ends in regulation, extra time or penalties, the implications for both sides are immediate in a winner-take-all setting.

What happens if Denmark beat Czechia today?

If Denmark win, they will qualify for the 2026 World Cup. This match is the final of a UEFA playoff path, meaning it’s a single-game, winner-takes-all scenario. There are no second legs or aggregate scores… just one result.

For Denmark, a win—whether in 90 minutes, extra time or penalties—secures one of UEFA’s final spots at the tournament. Only four teams advance from these playoff paths, and this game determines one of them.

In terms of the World Cup draw, the winner of this matchup is assigned to a pre-defined slot (Group A), where they will join Mexico, South Africa, and the Korea Republic.

What happens if Denmark and Czechia tie today?

If the game is tied after 90 minutes, it will go to extra time and then penalties if needed—with the winner qualifying and the loser eliminated. Because this is a knockout final, a draw is not a valid final outcome.

The match must produce a winner on the day. That means:

• 30 minutes of extra time (two 15-minute halves)
• If still tied → penalty shootout

For both Denmark and Czechia, this scenario keeps qualification alive but shifts the pressure to moments that are often unpredictable—late goals or penalties. There is no advantage carried over from previous rounds.

What happens if Denmark lose to Czechia today?

If Denmark lose, they will be eliminated, while Czechia would qualify for the 2026 World Cup. This match is the final of UEFA Playoff Path D, meaning it directly decides one of Europe’s last four spots in the tournament.

Czechia arrive in this final after advancing through the semifinal round and are one win away from securing their first World Cup appearance since 2006. A victory would complete that run and send them directly to the tournament.

[Watch Czech Republic vs Denmark online in the US on Fubo]

A World Cup spot is within reach as Denmark collides with Czech Republic in a matchup loaded with intensity and momentum. Denmark looked every bit like a contender in a dominant 4-0 semifinal win over North Macedonia.

Facing the hard Danish team will be the Czech Republic, who surged past Republic of Ireland in a dramatic comeback that ended in a penalty shootout victory. With both sides pushing to be in the soccer’s biggest tournament, this is a showdown you won’t want to miss.

When will the Czech Republic vs Denmark match be played?

Czech Republic face Denmark on Tuesday, March 31, in the Path D final of the World Cup qualifiers, with kickoff slated for 2:45 PM (ET).

Czech Republic vs Denmark: Time by State in the USA

ET: 2:45 PM
CT: 1:45 PM
MT: 12:45 PM
PT: 11:45 AM

How to watch Czech Republic vs Denmark in the USA

Catch the thrilling UEFA World Cup qualifiers showdown between Czech Republic and Denmark in the USA. Stream the action on Fubo. Other options: DirecTV Stream, FS2 and ViX.

The breakthrough came early in the second half, with Mikkel Damsgaard opening the scoring in the 49th minute. Gustav Isaksen followed with a quick-fire brace in the 58th and 59th minutes, before Christian Norgaard sealed the result with a goal in the 75th minute, completing a comprehensive victory.

With the win, Denmark now advance to face Czechia in the playoff finals scheduled for March 31, 2026 as the UEFA 2026 World Cup playoff tournament comes to an end.

Can Denmark secure another World Cup appearance?

The upcoming playoff final represents a critical opportunity for Denmark to return to the World Cup after participating in Qatar 2022. With a balanced squad and strong recent form, the team appears well-equipped to handle the pressure.

If they maintain the same intensity and attacking efficiency shown against North Macedonia, Denmark will be in a strong position to secure qualification and continue building on their steady international track record.

Denmark’s strong World Cup track record

Historically, Denmark have been a consistent presence on the global stage, qualifying for six World Cups, with their best result coming in 1998 when they reached the quarterfinals.

The match is part of the UEFA Path C play-offs, featuring teams that finished second in their groups during the qualifying stage. Both national teams have a chance to advance, making today’s game crucial for their World Cup hopes.

A win, tie, or loss will have immediate implications for the next round on March 31, where the play-off final will decide one of the remaining UEFA slots for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

What happens if Denmark beat North Macedonia today?

If Denmark beat North Macedonia today, Denmark would advance to the Path D play‑off final scheduled for March 31, 2026, keeping their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals alive.

This European playoff structure gives winners of the March 26 semi‑finals a single‑match chance to secure one of four remaining UEFA spots in the main tournament.

Denmark earned their place in the playoffs by finishing second in Group C of the UEFA qualifiers, meaning direct qualification wasn’t secured in the group stage. A win here would put them one step from a World Cup berth, facing the winner of Czechia vs Republic of Ireland in the Path D final.

What happens if Denmark and North Macedonia tie?

If Denmark and North Macedonia tie at the end of regular time, the match will not end there, as play‑off semi‑finals in UEFA qualifying are knockout fixtures, a winner must be produced.

That means the game would go to extra time and, if still tied, a penalty shootout to decide who advances to the play‑off final. Under UEFA rules for this stage, draws after 90 minutes aren’t accepted because only one team can move forward toward World Cup qualification.

So a tie in regulation simply postpones the answer. The winner after extra time or penalties advances, while the loser’s campaign ends here. This format keeps the stakes high and ensures a definitive outcome on matchday.

What happens if Denmark lose to North Macedonia today?

If Denmark lose to North Macedonia today, Denmark’s path to the 2026 World Cup via the UEFA play‑offs would be over — they would be eliminated from contention, as only winners of the play‑off semi‑finals advance.

North Macedonia would move on to the Path D play‑off final against the winner of Czechia vs Republic of Ireland, with the final winner securing one of Europe’s last four World Cup spots.

A World Cup berth is on the line as Denmark and North Macedonia square off in a matchup that pits tradition against ambition. Denmark enters with a strong tournament pedigree and the expectation of returning to soccer’s biggest stage, leaning on its experience in high-pressure moments to get the job done.

North Macedonia, on the other hand continues its push for a first-ever World Cup appearance, fueled by the confidence from its stunning playoff victory over Italy last cycle before falling short against Portugal. With both sides carrying plenty of motivation, this clash promises intensity from the opening whistle to the final minute.

When will the Denmark vs North Macedonia match be played?

Denmark take on North Macedonia on Thursday, March 26, in the Path D semifinal of the World Cup qualifiers, with kickoff slated for 3:45 PM (ET).

Denmark vs North Macedonia: Time by State in the USA

ET: 3:45 PM
CT: 2:45 PM
MT: 1:45 PM
PT: 12:45 PM

How to watch Denmark vs North Macedonia in the USA

Catch the thrilling UEFA World Cup qualifiers showdown between Denmark and North Macedonia in the USA. Stream the action on ViX.

US viewers:

UK viewers:

Scotland needed to win in order to avoid the UEFA playoffs, and that’s exactly what they did in Glasgow. In a dramatic night that soccer fans will hardly forget, Steve Clarke’s team got the job done to win Group C with 13 points, overtaking Denmark, who finished in second place with 11 points.

Thanks to this memorable 4-2 victory, Scotland have officially secured direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup. This sees them return to the big event after a 28-year absence, with their last appearance dating back to France 1998.

Scotland send Denmark to UEFA 2026 World Cup playoffs

Denmark, on the other hand, will have to continue their quest for a spot through the UEFA playoffs, which will involve 15 other European nations in March 2026 with only four tickets to the World Cup at stake.

These are all 16 teams that will take part in the UEFA playoffs, with the draw set for November 20, 2025: Slovakia, Ireland, Ukraine, Italy, Poland, Albania, Czech Republic, Romania, Sweden, Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Wales, North Macedonia, and Denmark.

UEFA has confirmed the 12 teams that have qualified directly for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Unfortunately for Denmark, a costly loss prevented them from securing one of those automatic spots.

Denmark fell 4-2 to Scotland in the final matchday of Group C. However, not all hope is lost for the Red and Whites in their quest to reach the World Cup.

What do Denmark need to do to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

With the loss to Scotland, Denmark finished second in Group C. While they were unable to clinch direct qualification, they still have a path to the tournament.

UEFA has 16 total World Cup spots — 12 for group winners and four more available through the playoffs. Denmark will now have to go through this playoff route.

Denmark ended the group stage with 11 points, finishing behind Scotland. This secured them a place in the UEFA playoffs, where four World Cup tickets will be decided.

The playoffs will feature the 12 group runners-up from the qualifying stage, plus four Nations League group winners. These are the 16 teams that will participate in the UEFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers playoffs:

1. Slovakia
2. Ireland
3. Ukraine
4. Italy
5. Poland
6. Albania
7. Czech Republic
8. Romania
9. Sweden
10. Northern Ireland
11. Kosovo
12. Turkey
13. Bosnia and Herzegovina
14. Wales
15. North Macedonia
16. Denmark

The game between Scotland and Denmark was as tense and tightly contested as expected in the anteroom. However, thanks to Scott McTominay’s heroic bycicle-kick goal, the Scots broke the deadlock just three minutes into the game.

However, the night had a lot more tension in store for the packed-out crowd at Hampden Park. Somehow, someway, Scotland weathered the storm, finding the late game-winner to secure all three points in the UEFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

With the nail-biting 4-2 win, Scotland secured first place in Group C and officially punched their ticket to the FIFA 2026 World Cup. It wasn’t easy, nor was it stress-free, but the Tartan Army will be heading to North America. Fans in the US, Mexico, and Canada better get used to the sound of bagpipes, as they will be hearing a lot of them next summer.

Group standings

After a dramatic finale, Scotland finished atop Group C with 13 points—officially qualifying for the FIFA 2026 World Cup. Denmark fell just short of their end goal, with 11 points. Closing out the standings were Greece (7 points) and Belarus (2).

Though they failed to punch their ticket to the World Cup, Denmark aren’t eliminated from contention. Instead, they will be competing in the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers playoffs, where 16 teams will fight for the last four European spots in soccer’s biggest tournament.

Scotland back in the World Cup

For the first time since the turn of the 21st century, Scotland are back in the FIFA World Cup. The Scots hadn’t made it to the tournament since the 1998 edition—held in France. Now, the Tartan Army will be competing for eternal glory for the first time in 28 years. The goal for Steve Clarke’s team is clear: making it out of the World Cup’s group stage for the first time in Scotland’s history.

Only three minutes into the World Cup Qualifier at Hampden Park in Glasgow, the Napoli star sent the home crowd into a frenzy with an acrobatic finish, giving Scotland a crucial lead.

The home side arrived in this game in second place of Group C with 10 points, just one shy of leaders Denmark. Therefore, a win is all Scotland need in order to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup.

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If Scotland tie or lose against Denmark, they’d finish in second place in the group and would therefore have to settle with a spot in the European playoffs for the final World Cup berths.

How do the UEFA 2026 World Cup playoffs work?

The UEFA playoffs will involve 16 teams, with four tickets to the 2026 World Cup up for grabs. The participant teams in question include the 12 runners-up from the UEFA World Cup Qualifying first round groups, along with the four teams with the best 2024–25 UEFA Nations League performance who didn’t access to this round via the WC Qualifiers.

The nations will be divided into four brackets, each containing four teams, with each bracket featuring two single-leg semifinals and a single-leg final. The twelve matches will take place in March 2026. The draw to determine the four playoff paths will be held on 20 November 2025.

Steve Clarke’s squad enters its final matchday with 10 points, the result of three wins, one draw, and one loss. Heading into this decisive round, Scotland sit in second place in the group.

On the other side, Denmark lead Group C with 11 points, having secured three wins and two draws, remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament so far. The Scandinavians are dreaming of securing yet another trip to the World Cup.

What happens if Scotland beat Denmark today?

If Scotland manage to defeat Denmark at Hampden Park, they would climb to 13 points, overtake Denmark for first place in Group C, and clinch a direct berth to the upcoming World Cup.

What happens if Scotland and Denmark tie?

If the match ends in a draw, Scotland would remain in second place in the group and would have to pursue their spot in the upcoming World Cup through the European playoff route.

What happens if Scotland lose to Denmark today?

If Scotland fall at home, their second place in the group would remain unchanged, as they hold a four-point lead over Greece. This means that even if the Hellenic side wins its match, there’s no mathematical chance of catching Scotland. Therefore, a loss would see Scotland settle with a playoff spot.