Denmark secured its spot in the A-group for the 2027 World Championship with a 3-2 victory over Italy decided in a penalty shootout.
The match required extra drama as Denmark led 2-0 on a goal by Mikkel Aagaard before Italy tied the score at 2-2. Patrick Russell scored the decisive goal in the shootout while goaltender Mads Sögaard stopped all five Italian attempts.
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Denmark and Italy will miss the 2026 World Cup after penalty shootout losses in the playoffs. Czechia defeated Denmark away, Bosnia-Herzegovina beat Italy, and Turkey secured qualification with a 1-0 win.
Sweden defeated Ukraine 3-1 and Denmark beat North Macedonia 4-0 in the World Cup play-off semi-finals on Thursday evening. Both teams delivered strong second-half performances to secure their places in next week's finals. The matches were part of eight European ties and one inter-confederation clash vying for spots in the 2026 tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
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Czechia, world No. 43, defeated Denmark (No. 21) 3-1 on penalties after a 2-2 draw through extra time to secure the final spot in Group A alongside South Korea (No. 22), Mexico, and South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The victory marks Czechia's first appearance since 2006, earned in a European playoff at Stadion Letná in Prague on March 31.
Italy will travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina for a decisive one-legged playoff final on March 31 to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup. The Azzurri advanced after defeating Northern Ireland, while Bosnia beat Wales on penalties. The winners join Group B alongside Switzerland, Canada and Qatar.
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Italy secured a 2-0 victory over Northern Ireland in Bergamo to advance to the World Cup playoff final. Sandro Tonali scored the opener with a superb half-volley, and Moise Kean added a late second goal. The Azzurri dominated after halftime against a resilient Northern Ireland side.