Czech Republic are heading back to the FIFA World Cup 2026 after a dramatic play-off victory over Denmark, sealed by nerves of steel in a tense penalty shootout. It marks a long-awaited return to the global stage, ending a two-decade absence for the national side.

The hosts made a dream start in a high-stakes encounter, striking inside just three minutes. Pavel Šulc fired Czech Republic into an early lead, igniting the home crowd and setting the tone for a fiercely contested night.

However, Denmark responded with authority after the break, gradually taking control of the game. Their pressure paid off when Joachim Andersen found the net with a composed finish, bringing the visitors level and forcing the match into extra time.

The additional 30 minutes proved to be a war of attrition, with both sides visibly exhausted and chances at a premium. Neither team could find a breakthrough, sending the tie into a decisive penalty shootout.

From the spot, Czech Republic showed remarkable composure, converting three of their attempts while Denmark faltered under pressure, managing just one successful strike. The final scoreline — 2-2 (3-1 on penalties) — confirmed a famous victory.

FIFA World Cup 2026, Qualifiers

Czech Republic - Denmark 2:2 (1:0), shoot-out 3:1
Goals: Šulc P., 3 (1:0); Andersen J., 72 (1:1); Krejčí L. II., 100 (2:1); Högh K., 111 (2:2)

Czech Republic: Kovar M.; Chaloupek; Hranáč; Coufal; Zeleny; Krejčí L. II.; Darida (Červ L., 60); Provod (Chytil, 68); Šulc P. (Sadilek M., 112); Soucek; Schick (Chorý, 91)
Substitution: Červ L. (from 60); Chytil (from 68); Chorý (from 91); Sadilek M. (from 112)
Bench: Hornicek; Jedlicka; Holeš; Vitík; Jurasek D.; Kliment; Karabec; Visinsky
Yellow Cards: Zeleny 45

Denmark: Hermansen; Andersen J.; Maehle; Nelsson V. (Nørgaard, 60); Damsgaard M. (Jensen Ma., 115); Hjulmand (Högh K., 106); Hojbjerg; Froholdt (Eriksen C., 72); Isaksen G. (Dreyer A., 86); Höjlund R.; Bah A.
Substitution: Nørgaard (from 60); Eriksen C. (from 72); Dreyer A. (from 86); Högh K. (from 106); Jensen Ma. (from 115)
Bench: Jungdal; Roennow; Hogsberg; Provstgaard; Nartey; Nartey; Osula
Yellow Cards: Nelsson V. 21; Andersen J. 105