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Czech Republic claim last spot in Korea's group at World Cup

Published: 01 Apr. 2026, 09:36 Updated: 01 Apr. 2026, 09:55

Czechia players celebrate after winning a penalty shootout at the end of the World Cup qualifying playoff final soccer match between Czechia and Denmark in Prague on March 31. [AP/YONHAP]

The Czech Republic have claimed the last remaining spot in Korea's group for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

The Czech Republic, world No. 43, defeated 21st-ranked Denmark 3-1 on penalties in a European World Cup qualifying playoff match at Stadion Letna in Prague on Tuesday to join Korea, Mexico and South Africa in Group A of the World Cup. This will be the Czech Republic's first World Cup appearance since 2006.

In Europe, the 12 runners-up from the first round and the four Nations League group winners were split into four playoff paths, each comprising four teams, for one last chance to qualify for the big tournament.

In Path D, the Czech Republic knocked off Ireland 4-3 on penalties, and Denmark defeated North Macedonia 4-0 on Thursday to set up Tuesday's showdown.

The Czech Republic and Denmark were knotted at 1-1 after 90 minutes, and they traded a goal each during extra time.

Then, with the Czech Republic up 2-1 in the shootout, Denmark's fourth kicker, Mathias Jensen, missed his shot, and Michal Sadilek converted his kick for the Czech Republic to close out the win.

Korea, ranked 22nd, and the Czech Republic have faced each other five times, with Korea having posted one win, two draws and two losses. Their most recent meeting in June 2016 resulted in a 2-1 win for Korea.

At the World Cup, Korea will begin Group A play against the Czech Republic at Estadio Guadalajara in Zapopan, near Guadalajara in Jalisco, Mexico, on June 11 and then will play Mexico at the same venue on June 18.

The final group match will be against South Africa at Estadio Monterrey in Guadalupe, part of the greater Monterrey area, on June 24.

The top two nations from each of the 12 groups will qualify for the knockout stage, joined by the eight best third-place teams.

Yonhap