Add as preferred source on Google
Denmark have failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after losing their playoff final to the Czech Republic.
Manchester United loanee Rasmus Hojlund claimed before the playoff final that this would be the ‘biggest match‘ of his career. It did not go well for him.
Denmark trailed twice to the Czech Republic, drawing 2-2 after extra-time before being eliminated on penalties.
The Czechs won 3-1 on penalties, with Rasmus Hojlund missing out on World Cup 2026.
Teammate Patrick Dorgu was out with injury. Christian Eriksen has also likely missed out on his last chance to play at another World Cup.
Are you excited for World Cup 2026 in the USA?
Photo by Jamie Sabau – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images 
Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesRasmus Hojlund denied by Matej Kovar, and the bar
Rasmus Hojlund began the penalty shootout disastrously for Denmark when he took the opener… and crashed his shot against the bar.
Christian Eriksen was the only Dane to score in the shootout loss as Denmark bowed out.
In the Czech Republic goal, former Manchester United trainee Matej Kovar played a key part in denying Hojlund during the 120 minutes.
Hojlund was a threat during the game, attempting three shots at goal. Kovar saved all of them.
Kovar made five saves in total, three from Hojlund. He also saved a penalty in the shootout.
The 25-year-old PSV Eindhoven stopper will be heading to the World Cup as the Czech Republic number one.
Hojlund will have to wait to try and qualify for 2030 to play in his first World Cup. He scored five goals during the qualifiers – but it was not enough this time.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox