Denmark reached the semi-finals of Euro 2020 after Christian Eriksen's cardiac arrest, and many Danes took that as a sign. The squad for 2026 mixes young firepower with experienced class. Rasmus Højlund is growing into a Premier League forward at Manchester United, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg controls the midfield, and Eriksen, whose comeback is one of football's great stories of resilience, still supplies the craft.
Brian Riemer is the manager, and Denmark sit around 21st in the FIFA ranking.
Can the Danes finally deliver?
They are the dark horse everyone keeps tipping and nobody has yet seen win. The ingredients are there. Højlund is a young, powerful striker with pace, strength and improving finishing. Højbjerg brings elite midfield discipline and tactical intelligence from the top level of European football. Riemer has built a side that combines Scandinavian discipline with genuine attacking quality across the pitch.
The record is consistent too: a Euro 2020 semi-final and a place at the 2022 World Cup. Denmark can beat anyone on their day and can frustrate the biggest teams when they are not at their best.
Højlund is the difference-maker. If he scores regularly, Denmark could go on a deep run. The Danes believe 2026 is their year, and they have reasons.
Tomorrow: number 12.
