PRAGUE – The Czech Republic is heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Denmark in Prague on Wednesday. Following a 2-2 draw through regulation and extra time, the Czechs prevailed 4-2 in the shootout, fueled by a crucial save from PSV Eindhoven goalkeeper Matěj Kovář and a decisive penalty conversion from former Eredivisie player Michal Sadílek. This marks the Czech Republic’s first World Cup appearance since 2006, where they will compete in Group A alongside South Korea, South Africa and co-host Mexico.
The atmosphere at the epet ARENA was electric as the Czech Republic sought to end a two-decade World Cup drought. Kovář, who has been instrumental for PSV this season and in previous playoff rounds, started in goal for the home side. Denmark, coached by Brian Riemer, deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation with Rasmus Højlund leading the attack.
The Czechs couldn’t have asked for a better start. In the third minute, a corner kick delivered by Vladimír Coufal was initially headed away by Joakim Maehle, but the clearance fell directly to Pavel Sulc. The Olympique Lyon midfielder unleashed a powerful, precise strike into the top corner, giving the Czech Republic an early 1-0 lead. Remarkably, this was the seventh goal for the Czechs in this World Cup qualifying campaign originating from a corner kick – the most of any European nation.
Denmark responded with urgency, attempting to quickly erase the deficit. Several dangerous attacks were launched down the left flank, but Kovář proved equal to the challenge, denying opportunities for Højlund. The Czech Republic, comfortable with their lead, looked to exploit counter-attacking opportunities. Lukáš Provod came close to doubling the advantage, but his powerful shot sailed just wide of Mads Hermansen’s goal.
A well-weighted through ball from Sulc nearly set up Provod for a one-on-one chance, but Hermansen managed to get a fingertip to the attempted chip, deflecting it just past the post. Gustav Isaksen also tested Kovář with a free kick, but the PSV keeper was again up to the task.
Denmark’s persistence paid off in the 71st minute. Mikkel Damsgaard delivered a curling free kick that found the head of Joachim Andersen, a former FC Twente defender. Kovář’s timing was slightly off, and the ball found the back of the net, leveling the score at 1-1. The equalizer injected renewed energy into the Danish side, who continued to press for a go-ahead goal.
With the score tied, the match headed into extra time. The Czech Republic struck first in the 100th minute. Following a long throw-in and a subsequent cross from Coufal, a scramble in the box resulted in Ladislav Krejci tapping the ball home from close range, with a deflection off Alexander Bah. The goal restored the Czech Republic’s lead, making it 2-1.
However, Denmark refused to surrender. In the second half of extra time, Anders Dreyer whipped in a corner kick that was met by the head of Kasper Høgh, who powerfully headed the ball past Kovář to equalize once again at 2-2. Høgh, who has been a consistent goal threat for FK Bodø/Glimt in the Champions League this season, proved to be a handful for the Czech defense.
With the score level after extra time, the match was decided by a penalty shootout. Denmark faltered from the start, as Højlund’s opening penalty struck the crossbar. Kovář then made a crucial save, denying Dreyer’s attempt. Whereas Krejci missed his penalty for the Czech Republic, Denmark’s Mathias Jensen subsequently sent his shot into the stands. The pressure then fell on Sadílek, who calmly slotted his penalty home, securing the Czech Republic’s place at the World Cup.
The victory sparked jubilant celebrations among the Czech players and fans. Kovář’s performance throughout the match, particularly his penalty shootout heroics, was pivotal. The Czech Republic will now turn their attention to preparations for the tournament, where they will face a challenging Group A that includes South Korea, South Africa, and Mexico.
This qualification represents a significant achievement for Czech football, ending a long wait to return to the world’s biggest stage. The team’s resilience and determination, coupled with Kovář’s outstanding goalkeeping, proved to be the key ingredients for success in this captivating encounter.
The Czech Republic’s next confirmed match will be a friendly international on June 5th against Northern Ireland in preparation for the World Cup. Details regarding the kickoff time and location will be announced shortly by the Czech Football Association.
What are your thoughts on the Czech Republic’s dramatic qualification? Share your predictions for their World Cup performance in the comments below!
