Denmark is basically the "dark horse" that everyone expects to do something crazy, and then we all act surprised when they actually do it. But honestly, if you've been watching the Denmark national football team players lately, you know the vibe is shifting. We aren't just talking about the 1992 nostalgia or that emotional Euro 2020 run anymore.
It's 2026. The squad is a weird, fascinating mix of aging legends who refuse to quit and 20-year-olds who are already bossing it in the Champions League.
If you’re trying to figure out if this team can actually make a deep run in the upcoming World Cup, you have to look past the team sheet. You have to look at the transition happening in the midfield, the absolute chaos of the striker situation, and whether Kasper Schmeichel is actually ever going to retire.
The Morten Hjulmand era is officially here
For years, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg was the undisputed engine. But right now? Morten Hjulmand is the guy. Currently captaining Sporting CP and valued at a cool €50 million, he has become the tactical heartbeat of this team.
He’s not just a "destroyer" in front of the defense. Hjulmand is averaging over 90% passing accuracy in the Nations League. He’s the one dictating where the ball goes while Højbjerg (now 30 and still grinding) does the dirty work. It's a double-pivot that most top-tier nations would kill for.
You also have Matt O’Riley and the emergence of Victor Froholdt. Froholdt is only 19 and already making waves at Porto. It’s that blend of "old head" tactical discipline and "young kid" fearlessness that makes the Danish midfield so hard to play against.
What’s the deal with Christian Eriksen?
Look, the man is 33. He’s at Wolfsburg now, still pulling strings, still wearing the number 10. He’s got 147 caps. That is an insane amount of football.
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Is he as fast as he was at Ajax or Spurs? Obviously not. But his delivery? Still world-class. In the World Cup qualifiers, he’s been used more as a late-game "closer" or a deep-lying playmaker when Denmark needs to break down a low block. He’s the spiritual leader, and honestly, the team just looks more composed when he's on the pitch for those final 30 minutes.
The Rasmus Højlund enigma
Everyone wants to talk about Rasmus Højlund. After a rollercoaster stint at Manchester United, his move to Napoli (initially on loan, then permanent) seems to have unlocked something.
He’s 22. He’s 6'3". He’s fast.
In October 2025, he went on an absolute tear, scoring five goals in three matches for club and country. He bagged a brace against Belarus and basically bullied their entire backline. For the Denmark national football team players, having a true "number 9" who can actually finish is a luxury they haven't had in a long time.
But it's not just him anymore.
- Mika Biereth: The 22-year-old has been clinical, providing a different, more technical option upfront.
- Conrad Harder: Currently at RB Leipzig, Harder is the "wildcard." He’s got that aggressive, direct style that disrupts tired defenses.
- Jonas Wind: He’s still the reliable link-up man, but he’s increasingly finding himself as a secondary option behind the younger, faster strikers.
Defending the Wall: Christensen, Andersen, and the New Guard
The defense has always been Denmark’s "safe space." Andreas Christensen (Barcelona) and Joachim Andersen (Crystal Palace) are both 29—peak age for center-backs. They’ve played together so much they basically have a psychic connection.
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But the real story is Patrick Dorgu.
If you haven't watched Dorgu at Manchester United yet, you’re missing out. He’s 21, plays left-back (or wing-back), and he is a freak of nature. He’s valued at €30 million and is essentially a one-man flank. He’s the reason Denmark can switch from a back four to a back five without losing any attacking momentum.
And then there's the goalkeeper situation. Kasper Schmeichel is 39. He’s still starting. It’s kind of incredible, but also a bit stressful for Danish fans. Mads Hermansen (25) and Filip Jørgensen (23) are both ready. They are both playing at a high level. Yet, Schmeichel’s presence in the locker room is so massive that it’s hard to drop him.
The "Wonderkid" Pipeline: Who is next?
Denmark’s scouting system is currently punching way above its weight. If you follow the Danish Superliga, you know names like Noah Nartey and William Clem are the next big things.
- Chido Obi: Keep an eye on this kid at Manchester United. At 17, he’s already being talked about as the future of the national team’s attack.
- Victor Froholdt: As mentioned, his move to Porto has accelerated his development. He’s a "needle player"—someone who can keep the ball in tight spaces under massive pressure.
- Lucas Høgsberg: A 19-year-old center-back at Strasbourg who is already being integrated into the senior setup.
The depth is there. It’s not just 11 good players; it’s a pool of about 25 guys who can all genuinely compete for a starting spot.
What most people get wrong about this team
People think Denmark is just a defensive, "hard-to-beat" side. That was true in 2018. It’s not really true now.
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Under the current tactical setup, they are much more aggressive. They press high. They rely on Dorgu and Victor Kristiansen to fly forward. They want Højlund running into channels.
The biggest limitation? Sometimes they lack that "Plan B" when a team sits deep and refuses to come out. If Eriksen isn't on the pitch to pick a lock, they can look a bit toothless. They need Gustav Isaksen or Mikkel Damsgaard to rediscover that magic they showed a few years back to provide some creative unpredictability.
Actionable insights for following the team
If you’re tracking the Denmark national football team players as we head toward the 2026 World Cup, here is how to actually evaluate their form:
- Watch the Hjulmand-Højbjerg balance: If these two are healthy and playing together, Denmark can beat almost anyone. If one is out, the midfield structure tends to crumble.
- Monitor Højlund’s xG at Napoli: He’s a confidence player. If he’s scoring in Serie A, he usually brings that heat to the national team.
- The Left-Back Battle: See if Dorgu starts over Kristiansen. When Dorgu starts, Denmark is significantly more dangerous in transition.
- Check the Goalie Rotation: If Hermansen starts getting more minutes in friendlies, it’s a signal that the Schmeichel era is finally winding down.
This isn't just a team of workers anymore. It’s a team with genuine star power and a terrifyingly young core. Whether they can handle the pressure of a World Cup is the only question left.
To stay updated, keep a close eye on the UEFA Nations League lineups and the fitness reports coming out of the training camp in Helsingør. The upcoming playoff against North Macedonia in March will be the ultimate litmus test for this group’s mental toughness.