Denmark vs North Macedonia: World Cup Playoff Showdown

Denmark vs North Macedonia World Cup playoff match hits up

Denmark takes on North Macedonia in a crucial World Cup playoff match. Can the Danes overcome their defensive crisis?

North Macedonia looks to pull off an upset against favored Denmark in Copenhagen....

Darko Pancev, the Macedonian legend who scored the winning penalty in the 1991 European Cup final, believes Denmark could be weighed down by the pressure of being favourites against North Macedonia in Thursday's World Cup qualifying play-off. Pancev thinks Denmark's status as favourites might make things tougher for them in Copenhagen.

Denmark's hopes of qualifying for the World Cup hinged on their performance against Scotland, but two late goals dashed their automatic qualification dreams. Now, they'll face North Macedonia in a make-or-break play-off match. “It's going to be a tough game, and Denmark needs to be prepared for that,” Pancev warns.

Denmark's ranked 21st in the world, while North Macedonia's sitting pretty at 66th, so the Danes are clear favourites for Thursday's play-off. But Darko Pancev, a Macedonian legend, warns that Denmark's high ranking might just add extra pressure.

North Macedonia's got a history of play-off upsets - they knocked Italy out of World Cup qualifying in 2022. Pancev thinks this experience could give them an edge, while Denmark's favourites status might weigh them down. “Going into a World Cup qualifying match of that importance could be a heavy burden on the Danes,” he says.

This is the Denmark 🇩🇰 squad for the #FIFAWorldCup Playoffs: 🇲🇰 up first!

Somewhat surprised by the number of new callups in such a key match, but why not...

🆕 Andreas Jungdal (KV Westerlo 🇧🇪) 🧤
🆕 Oliver Provstgaard (Lazio 🇮🇹)
🆕 Victor Bak (Midtjylland 🇩🇰)
🆕 Noah Nartey… pic.twitter.com/APC7rASCZo

— The International Window (@windowintlpod) March 17, 2026

Denmark takes on North Macedonia at Parken Stadium on Thursday (20:45 CET). If they win, they'll face either Czech Republic or Republic of Ireland away on March 31, with a World Cup spot on the line.

“Denmark are the favourites and with the favourite's role on their side, the pressure is on them, and it might be difficult for them to justify that role. We don't have anything to lose, and as was the case in Palermo (where they beat Italy in 2022), maybe we'll surprise them and achieve a positive result.”

“The main thing is to believe in ourselves, but it won't be easy.”

If North Macedonia pulls off the upset in Copenhagen, they'll face the winner of Czech Republic vs Ireland in the play-off final, with a World Cup 2026 ticket up for grabs.

“If by chance, God willing, we win, I think that Ireland would be more favourable opponents for us, because I think the Czech Republic plays way more creative football,” Pancev says.

“The Czechs know how to create chances and are more dangerous on the ball. The Irish are way more predictable with their long balls, jumps, and I think we can be much more competitive against them.”