The Czech Republic clinched their first World Cup berth since 2006 after defeating Denmark on penalties following a gripping 2–2 draw after extra time in Prague on Tuesday. Michal Sadílek converted the decisive kick, with Tomáš Chory and Tomáš Souček also scoring, while Ladislav Krejčí was denied by Mads Hermansen. Denmark faltered badly, converting only through Christian Eriksen as Rasmus Højlund struck the bar, Anders Dreyer saw his effort saved and Mathias Jensen fired over.
The Czechs struck early when Pavel Šulc smashed a volley into the top corner after three minutes. Denmark equalised in the 72nd minute through Joachim Andersen’s glancing header from a Mikkel Damsgaard free‑kick. Krejčí restored the lead in the 100th minute when his shot deflected off Alexander Bah, but substitute Kasper Høgh levelled again from an Eriksen corner. Denmark pushed relentlessly yet repeatedly found Matej Kovář in their way, while the hosts threatened sporadically on the counter before prevailing in the shootout.