Denmark head to Prague for World Cup playoff final against Czechia with 2026 berth at stake

A place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup goes on the line in Prague on Tuesday when Denmark visit Czechia for a UEFA playoff final. It is a winner-take-all tie, with the hosts aiming to turn a raucous home atmosphere into a decisive edge. Czechia, ranked 43rd in the world, took a circuitous route to the final.

Miroslav Koubek’s side clawed back from two goals down against the Republic of Ireland before prevailing on penalties in the semifinal. They will again look to Patrik Schick to lead the line and Tomáš Souček to anchor the midfield, hoping to channel the momentum of that comeback into the decisive match.

Denmark arrive ranked 21st and fresh from a commanding 4-0 semifinal victory over North Macedonia, a performance that underlined their form and confidence. The Danes have not lost to Czechia in seven meetings, and they bring an attack led by Rasmus Højlund with Christian Eriksen orchestrating play from midfield.

With that recent form and head-to-head history, Denmark enter as the clear favorite. The challenge for Kasper Hjulmand’s team will be handling the intensity of an away final, while Czechia aim to harness home support and resilience to upset the odds. The stakes could not be higher: 90 minutes — and possibly extra time and penalties — will determine which of these European rivals secures a ticket to the 2026 World Cup.