The European playoff to determine South Korea's first group-stage opponent at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America runs from March 27 through April 1. Denmark is considered the most likely candidate, according to football insiders.
The European playoff features 12 nations that finished second in their respective World Cup qualifying groups and four additional teams that earned spots based on their UEFA Nations League results. The 16 teams are divided into four paths of four, playing a knockout tournament, with each path's winner securing a place at the World Cup.
The nation set to join South Korea, Mexico and South Africa in Group A will emerge from European Playoff Path D, where Denmark, North Macedonia, the Czech Republic and Ireland compete.
Denmark, ranked 21st in the FIFA rankings, is the favorite to advance. The team's attacking firepower, led by Rasmus Højlund of Napoli, is regarded as its key strength. Denmark is a Nordic powerhouse that reached the round of 16 at the 2018 Russia World Cup and the semifinals of Euro 2020.
Denmark faces North Macedonia (ranked 66th) in a single-leg semifinal on March 27. The Czech Republic (43rd) and Ireland (59th) also meet in an elimination match on the same day. The semifinal winners play a single-leg final on April 1, and the victor will join South Korea's Group A.
