Denmark had every opportunity to qualify automatically but let it slip on a dramatic final matchday in Glasgow. Now Brian Riemer's side face a playoff path starting with North Macedonia, then potentially Czechia or the Republic of Ireland.

Yes, Denmark can still qualify for the 2026 World Cup. They finished second in UEFA qualifying Group C behind Scotland and have a spot in the European playoffs. Two single-leg knockout wins in March 2026 and they'll be at the expanded 48-team tournament.

The way Denmark ended up here stings. They went into the final matchday needing just a draw away to Scotland to win the group outright. They were 2-2 with minutes remaining. Then Scotland scored twice in stoppage time through Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean, and Denmark's automatic qualification was ripped away in the most brutal fashion imaginable. Instead of booking flights to North America, they're now in the playoff bracket.

The good news is that Denmark's playoff path looks manageable. They host North Macedonia in the semi-final, and the final would be against either Czechia or the Republic of Ireland.

None of those teams carry the same threat as the bigger names in other paths. Denmark are among the favourites to emerge from Path D.

How Denmark Got Here: A Group They Should Have Won

Group C featured Denmark, Scotland, Greece and Belarus. Denmark were the highest-ranked team in the group and were widely expected to finish first.

The campaign opened with a goalless draw at home to Scotland, a cagey affair that set the tone for what became a tight two-horse race at the top. Denmark responded well, beating Greece 3-0 away and thrashing Belarus 6-0 in a match that padded the goal difference. A 3-1 home win over Greece in October put them in a commanding position.

Then came matchday five, and the first warning sign. Denmark drew 2-2 away to Belarus, a side that had been largely abysmal throughout the group. Dropping points against the weakest team in the pool was sloppy, and it meant Denmark headed to Scotland on the final day needing at least a draw to win the group.

The game at Hampden Park was extraordinary. Scott McTominay opened the scoring with an acrobatic overhead kick, but Rasmus Højlund's penalty levelled it. Rasmus Kristensen picked up a second yellow card, giving Scotland a man advantage, and Lawrence Shankland made it 2-1. Patrick Dorgu equalised to make it 2-2, and with minutes left, Denmark looked set for a draw that would qualify them as group winners.

Stoppage time changed everything. Tierney bent one in from 20 metres, and McLean lobbed the goalkeeper from inside his own half to make it 4-2. Hampden erupted. Scotland qualified for their first World Cup since 1998, and Denmark were left picking up the pieces.

Group C Final Standings

• Scotland: 13 points (qualified directly)
• Denmark: 11 points (advanced to playoffs)
• Greece: 7 points (eliminated)
• Belarus: 2 points (eliminated)

UEFA Playoff Path D: Denmark's Route

Denmark are in Playoff Path D. Same knockout format as the other paths: single-leg semi-finals, single-leg final, extra time and penalties if needed.

• Semi-final (26 March 2026): Denmark vs North Macedonia – Denmark hosts
• Other semi-final (26 March 2026): Czechia vs Republic of Ireland
• Path D Final (31 March 2026): Winner of Czechia/Republic of Ireland vs winner of Denmark/North Macedonia

Denmark were seeded in Pot 1 (ranked 20th in the world at the time of the draw), giving them home advantage against Pot 4 opponents North Macedonia. Playing at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen with a fervent Danish crowd backing them is a significant edge.

Path D is considered one of the more open brackets. None of the four teams are traditional powerhouses, but all are capable. Denmark are the favourites, though the Republic of Ireland's late-qualifying surge (they beat Portugal and Hungary in the closing weeks of qualifying) makes them dangerous floaters in this bracket. For those interested in betting on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the playoffs offer some intriguing markets.

Semi-Final Breakdown: Denmark vs North Macedonia

North Macedonia are in the playoffs through the Nations League route, having finished third in their qualifying group (Group J, behind Belgium and Wales). They're ranked 65th in the world and are significant underdogs for this fixture.

That said, North Macedonia have a history of producing upsets in playoff-style matches. They famously knocked out Italy in the 2022 World Cup qualifying playoffs, one of the biggest shocks in qualifying history. That kind of pedigree in single-leg knockout formats means they can't be completely dismissed.

Denmark will be strong favourites regardless. The quality gap across the squad is obvious, and a home semi-final in Copenhagen should give them the platform to control the match. Højlund's pace and movement against a North Macedonian defence that struggled with higher-quality opponents should create openings.

The Potential Final: Czechia or Republic of Ireland

The other Path D semi-final is a genuine toss-up. Czechia host the Republic of Ireland, and both sides have reasons for confidence.

Czechia finished second in their qualifying group (Group L, behind Croatia) and are a well-organised side with solid depth. The Republic of Ireland were the story of the qualifying campaign's final weeks, with Troy Parrott's hat trick in a 3-2 comeback win over Hungary and a 2-0 home victory against Portugal sending them into the playoffs on a wave of momentum.

Denmark would back themselves in the final against either side. They have more tournament pedigree, more players at elite clubs, and the psychological advantage of being the clear top seed in the path. The bigger risk is whether Scotland's collapse has left lingering mental scars. Knockout football rewards composure, and Denmark crumbled in the closing minutes at Hampden.

Denmark's Key Players

Rasmus Højlund is the main attacking threat. The 22-year-old is on loan at Napoli from Manchester United and has been in strong form in Serie A. His pace, physicality and finishing instinct make him the player most likely to decide tight playoff matches. He scored Denmark's penalty equaliser against Scotland and will be hungry to make amends for the final-day collapse.

Pierre-Emile Højbjerg captains the side from midfield. The Marseille man (formerly of Tottenham and Bayern Munich) brings leadership, tactical intelligence and tireless running. He's the heartbeat of the team and the player Riemer relies on to set the tempo.

Christian Eriksen remains a factor at 33, though his role has evolved. Denmark's most capped active player moved to Wolfsburg after leaving Manchester United, and his selection has been managed carefully by Riemer. His creativity and set-piece delivery are assets, but he's no longer an automatic starter. The emotional pull of reaching one more World Cup after his cardiac arrest at Euro 2020 would be a powerful storyline.

Patrick Dorgu is the exciting young talent. The 21-year-old left-back moved to Manchester United and has pace and attacking quality that give Denmark a different dimension. He scored Denmark's second equaliser against Scotland and is becoming increasingly important to the team.

Morten Hjulmand (Sporting Lisbon) provides steel and passing quality from deep midfield, while Kasper Schmeichel continues to be a reliable presence in goal despite his years. Andreas Christensen (Barcelona) anchors the defence.

What Happens If Denmark Qualify?

The World Cup draw is done. The winner of Playoff Path D goes into Group A alongside Mexico, South Africa and South Korea.

That's a very navigable group by World Cup standards. Mexico as co-hosts will have crowd support but are ranked lower than Denmark. South Korea are always competitive at World Cups. South Africa will be appearing at their first World Cup since hosting in 2010. Denmark would be expected to challenge for first or second place in that group. Check out our ranking of World Cup groups to see how Group A compares.

Denmark have appeared at six World Cups, with the 1998 quarter-final run being their best result. They were at the 2022 tournament in Qatar but suffered a woeful group-stage exit, failing to win a match and collecting just one point. At Euro 2020 (played in 2021), they reached the semi-finals in an emotionally charged tournament following Eriksen's cardiac arrest. That run showed what this group is capable of when motivation and momentum align.

Betting Markets and Angles

Match Result: Denmark vs North Macedonia

Denmark will be heavy favourites at home. North Macedonia's giant-killing pedigree adds a small upset factor, but the quality gap should tell. Denmark to win at home is the most likely outcome. Punters looking for value might consider Denmark to win and over 2.5 goals, given their ability to put weaker sides to the sword (6-0 over Belarus, 3-0 over Greece in qualifying).

To Qualify / Path D Winner

Denmark are favourites to win Path D. The path is considered more open than Paths A or C, but Denmark's home semi-final advantage and superior squad depth make them the logical pick. The Republic of Ireland's late momentum could make them an interesting outsider bet if you think they can get past Czechia.

Total Goals and Goalscorer Markets

Denmark scored 14 goals in six qualifying matches and can be clinical against weaker opposition. Højlund is the obvious anytime goalscorer pick and will likely be the shortest price in the market. Kasper Dolberg and Mikkel Damsgaard offer alternative options at bigger prices.

World Cup Group A Markets

If Denmark qualify into Group A with Mexico, South Africa and South Korea, they'd be a genuine contender to top the group. The odds on Denmark to win Group A could offer value, given Mexico's inconsistent form and South Korea's squad turnover. Group stage betting markets will become clearer once the playoff results are confirmed. Head to the World Cup betting hub for the latest markets.

How to Watch in Australia

The UEFA World Cup playoffs take place on 26 March (semi-finals) and 31 March 2026 (finals). Paramount+ is the primary broadcaster for UEFA competitions in Australia. Kick-offs at 20:45 CET translate to approximately 6:45am AEDT the following morning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has Denmark qualified for the 2026 World Cup?

No. Denmark finished second in UEFA qualifying Group C behind Scotland and must win two playoff matches in March 2026 to qualify.

Who do Denmark play in the World Cup playoffs?

Denmark host North Macedonia in the Playoff Path D semi-final on 26 March 2026. The winner plays either Czechia or the Republic of Ireland in the final on 31 March.

What World Cup group would Denmark be in?

If Denmark qualify via Playoff Path D, they'd be in Group A alongside Mexico, South Africa and South Korea.

Who is the Denmark coach?

Brian Riemer was appointed in October 2024 after Kasper Hjulmand resigned following Euro 2024. Riemer previously worked as an assistant at Brentford in the Premier League and managed Anderlecht in Belgium.

Why didn't Denmark qualify automatically?

Denmark needed at least a draw in their final group match away to Scotland. They were 2-2 in stoppage time but conceded twice in added time through Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean, losing 4-2. That result sent Scotland through as group winners instead.

How many times has Denmark been to the World Cup?

Denmark have appeared at six World Cups. Their best result was a quarter-final finish in 1998. They most recently appeared at the 2022 tournament in Qatar but were eliminated in the group stage.

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