Czech Republic beat Denmark on penalties to reach World Cup for first time since 2006
The Czech Republic is heading to the World Cup for the first time in 20 years after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Denmark in Prague.
As The Czech Republic qualifies for Group A at the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Mexico, South Africa, and South Korea.
Denmark collapsed from the spot, failing to even hit the target twice and seeing another attempt saved. Rasmus Højlund — on loan at Napoli from Manchester United — smashed his effort off the bar, while Christian Eriksen was the only Danish player to score. The Czechs, meanwhile, calmly converted through Tomáš Chory, Tomáš Souček and Michal Sadílek, with only Ladislav Krejčí missing.
The night began perfectly for the hosts. Just three minutes in, Pavel Sulc blasted a thunderous strike into the net after Denmark only half-cleared a corner, igniting a frenetic first half filled with chances at both ends.
After the break, the momentum flipped. The Czech Republic were forced deep as Denmark poured forward, and the pressure finally told when Joachim Andersen nodded in a Mikkel Damsgaard free-kick to level.
Extra time brought another twist. A Krejčí effort deflected in off defender Alexander Bah to restore the Czech lead, only for substitute Kasper Høgh to glance in a late equaliser in the 111th minute.
But when it mattered most, Denmark crumbled. The shootout sealed their fate — and the Czechs’ long-awaited return to the world stage. Denmark will now miss their first World Cup since 2014, while the Czech Republic celebrates a return last seen in 2006.
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