All to Play for in Prague Showdown

Czech Republic welcome Denmark to Prague on Tuesday for a winner-takes-all playoff final, with a place at the 2026 WC on the line. The hosts edged past the Republic of Ireland after extra time and penalties, while Denmark advanced more comfortably with a 4–0 win over North Macedonia.

Match Analysis

Czech Republic are aiming to reach their first WC since 2006, having missed out on the last four editions. Their route to this final has required both consistency and resilience. They secured their playoff spot by finishing second in Group L, collecting 16 points from eight matches, including five wins. Their campaign ended on a high with a 6–0 victory over Gibraltar, leaving them two home wins away from qualification.

Under new head coach Miroslav Koubek, appointed in December, Czech Republic were tested in the semi-final. They twice fell behind against the Republic of Ireland, with Patrik Schick levelling in the first half before Ladislav Krejci forced extra time late on. After a goalless additional period, they progressed via penalties, with Matej Kovar saving twice and Jan Kliment converting the decisive spot kick.

That performance underlined their ability to respond under pressure, and they now return to Prague chasing a fourth straight win in all competitions.

Denmark arrive in a different position. Having reached the round of 16 in 2018 and the group stage in 2022, they are targeting a third consecutive WC appearance.

They narrowly missed out on automatic qualification, finishing second in Group C with 11 points from six matches, losing the decisive game away to Scotland. However, they responded emphatically in the playoff semi-final.

After a goalless first half against North Macedonia, Denmark took control. Mikkel Damsgaard opened the scoring, Gustav Isaksen added two quick goals, and Christian Norgaard completed a 4–0 victory.

From a tactical perspective, Czech Republic rely on structure and physical presence. They operate in a 3-4-2-1 system, where Tomas Soucek plays a central role, contributing both defensively and in advanced areas.

Just behind the main striker, Pavel Sulc and Patrik Schick are heavily involved in linking midfield with attack. Schick is still the player most likely to convert chances, while Sulc tends to drift into pockets of space and keep moves ticking. When Tomas Chory is introduced, the approach becomes more direct, with his physical presence giving Czech Republic the option to play forward earlier and fight for second balls.

Out wide, Vladimir Coufal and Michal Sadilek are important in providing width and deliveries into the box, while the back three are tasked with staying compact against Denmark’s pace.

Denmark, meanwhile, tend to line up in a 4-3-3, built on balance and attacking movement. The midfield unit provides control, while the front line is led by Rasmus Hojlund, supported by Isaksen and Damsgaard, both of whom were influential in the semi-final. Full-backs Alexander Bah and Joakim Maehle push forward to support attacks, while the defensive structure has been effective in limiting opposition opportunities.

Team News

Czech Republic are expected to field a similar side to the one that started against the Republic of Ireland, although Tomas Soucek, Michal Sadilek, Stepan Chaloupek and Jan Kliment are pushing for inclusion.

Vaclav Cerny remains unavailable through injury, but Pavel Sulc is a key attacking threat, having scored 11 goals in 22 Ligue 1 appearances for Lyon this season.

At the back, Ladislav Krejci continues as captain, while Patrik Schick, with 25 international goals in 51 caps, leads the attack.

Denmark may opt to keep changes to a minimum following their semi-final win, although they remain without several players due to injury, including Kasper Schmeichel, Andreas Christensen, Rasmus Kristensen, Patrick Dorgu and Jannik Vestergaard.

Philip Billing, Yussuf Poulsen and Andreas Skov Olsen are also unavailable, but Joachim Andersen could return after missing the semi-final through suspension.

In attack, Rasmus Hojlund is expected to start, with support from Damsgaard and Isaksen, who both contributed in the previous round.

Odds and Tips

Czech Republic have shown resilience and will benefit from home advantage, but they were pushed to their limits in the semi-final.

Denmark arrive with momentum after a convincing performance last time out and appear more settled despite their absences.

Tip: Denmark win at 1.98.

Please note that the odds might have changed since the writing and/or publication of this article.

Last updated: 30.03.26