7M - World Cup Playoff Preview: Denmark vs North Macedonia - prediction, team news, lineups

Denmark Face Defensive Crisis in Copenhagen

Denmark enters the 2026 World Cup playoff semi-final on Thursday, March 26th, at Parken Stadium under significant pressure. Despite a strong qualifying run that included a 6-0 thrashing of Belarus and a 3-1 win over Greece, the Danes have struggled recently, drawing 2-2 with Belarus and suffering a 4-2 defeat to Scotland in their final group games. Manager Brian Riemer is currently navigating a severe injury crisis, particularly in the defensive department. With several key players unavailable, the Danish side must find stability at the back to avoid an early exit from the qualification path.

North Macedonia Target Another Giant-Killing

North Macedonia returns to the playoffs with a reputation as a "giant-killer," famously having eliminated Italy during the previous World Cup qualifying cycle. Their journey to this stage saw them finish third in their group, securing a playoff spot via their Nations League ranking. While their recent form is mixed—highlighted by a heavy 7-1 loss to Wales and a 0-0 draw with Latvia—they have shown resilience in high-stakes matches. Led by captain Enis Bardhi and striker Bojan Miovski, the visitors will aim to exploit Denmark's weakened defense through quick counter-attacks and disciplined tactical positioning.

Team News and Tactical Outlook

The hosts are without veteran goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel due to a shoulder injury, while Chelsea's Filip Jorgensen is also sidelined. Defensively, Andreas Christensen and Patrick Dorgu are ruled out, and Joachim Andersen is serving a suspension. This leaves Brian Riemer relying on Victor Nelsson to lead a makeshift backline. North Macedonia, conversely, has a relatively healthy squad, with playmaker Enis Bardhi expected to dictate the tempo. The tactical battle will likely see Denmark dominate possession while North Macedonia remains compact, waiting for opportunities to repeat their past playoff heroics.

Predicted Score: Denmark 2-1 North Macedonia