The Czech Republic has been confirmed as South Korea's first opponent in the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America.
The Czech Republic (FIFA ranking 43rd) defeated Denmark (20th) 3-1 in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw through extra time in the UEFA playoff Path D final for the 2026 World Cup, held at the Epet Arena in Prague on March 31 (local time).
With the victory, the Czech Republic secured its first World Cup berth in 20 years since the 2006 tournament in Germany. The team will face South Korea in their Group A opening match at Akron Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico, on June 12.
During the Czechoslovakia era, the Czech Republic was a European powerhouse, finishing as runners-up at both the 1934 Italy and 1962 Chile World Cups and reaching the quarterfinals twice (1938 and 1990). After changing its national name to the Czech Republic, the team endured a prolonged slump and made its only World Cup appearance under that name at the 2006 Germany tournament, where it was eliminated in the group stage.
In this qualifying cycle, the Czech Republic finished second behind Croatia in European Group L to reach the playoffs. The team eliminated Ireland in a penalty shootout in the semifinal, then pulled off an upset by defeating Denmark — widely considered the stronger side — also on penalties in the final.
Denmark, which had been aiming for a third consecutive and seventh overall World Cup appearance following the 2018 Russia and 2022 Qatar tournaments, twice fell behind before clawing back level but ultimately fell short.
The opening goal came just three minutes into the match for the Czech Republic. Pavel Sulc struck a right-footed shot on a ball that bounced up off the ground from a corner kick, finding the back of the net.
Denmark, struggling to break through the Czech Republic's tight defensive setup, finally equalized in the 72nd minute from a set piece. Mikkel Damsgaard delivered a free kick from the left flank, and 192-centimeter center-back Joachim Andersen headed it home to level the score.
