In a real thriller, the Czech Republic qualified for the 2026 World Cup. Michal Sadilek redeemed his team on Tuesday (March 31, 2026) in Prague in a 5:3 (1:0, 1:1, 2:1, 2:2) penalty shootout against Denmark.
For the first time since the 2006 World Cup in Germany, the Czech Republic will be taking part in a World Cup finals again and will face the Mexicans, South Africa and South Korea in Group A at the tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Pavel Sulc opens with a dream goal
The game started with a real bang: Pavel Sulc (3rd) gave the hosts a 1-0 lead after a corner kick with a fantastic shot from the edge of the penalty area into the top corner. But that didn’t shock the Danes at all. Until half time, the guests were the superior team, had more possession and more shots.
But the Czech Republic took the lead into the break. Denmark stayed on the trigger. But coach Briam Riemer’s team struggled to score for a long time. After all, it was one of Damsgaard’s many set pieces that brought the Scandinavians back into the game. Joachim Andersen (72nd) got to the ball in front of Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar and headed in to make it 1-1.
Kasper Högh still has an answer for Denmark
Denmark was much more active afterwards. But the Czech Republic defended with passion – and took the lead again in extra time. Captain Ladislav Krejci (100th) scored after a long throw-in with a deflected shot to make it 2-1. But that wasn’t the final act. Denmark didn’t give up.
With a little “Bodö Glimt” magic it worked. Kasper Högh, who had just come on as a substitute, was spot-on for a corner and the striker from the Norwegian sensational club from the Champions League headed the score to 2-2 (111′).
As in the Czech Republic’s semi-final win against Ireland, the penalty shootout had to bring the decision. For Denmark there were three shooters: Rasmus Höjlund, Anders Dreyer and Mathias Jensen. With the score at 2-1, Sadilek was lucky for the Czech Republic. And the 26-year-old made everything clear with his goal into the right corner. The rest was Danish mourning and Czech jubilation.
