Overview
Denmark is one of the most regrettable European teams that could not participate in the 2026 World Cup. For the first time since 2014, they are absent from the biggest football festival on the planet after losing to the Czech Republic in the play-offs.
Coach Brian Riemer's team only finished second in the UEFA qualifying group after losing to Scotland 2-4 in the last match. Despite overcoming Northern Macedonia 4-0 in the play-off semi-finals, Denmark succumbed to the Czech Republic on penalties after a 2-2 draw in 120 minutes.
Despite increasing pressure, Riemer still receives support from the Danish Football Federation. The 47-year-old strategist affirmed that he is the right person to lead the national team's rebuilding process, in the context that many veterans are gradually being replaced by young players.
Before welcoming Ukraine at home, Denmark will have their first match in history against Congo. This is also the first time they have met an African representative since the draw with Tunisia at the 2022 World Cup.
On the other side, Congo is aiming for their first World Cup since 1974, when they were still named Zaire. Coach Sebastien Desabre's team surpassed Cameroon and Nigeria in the African regional play-offs, before defeating Jamaica 1-0 in the intercontinental play-off thanks to Axel Tuanzebe's goal.
Congo also maintains very impressive form when they have only lost one of their last 10 matches in all competitions, won 8 matches and kept a clean sheet 7 times.
Personnel situation
Denmark entered this training camp without the service of veteran goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel. The 39-year-old goalkeeper, who has worn the national team jersey 120 times, has just announced his retirement after failing to fully recover from a serious shoulder injury.
In addition, Jannik Vestergaard and Christian Norgaard have also left the national team, while notable names such as Mikkel Damsgaard, Jesper Lindstrom, Victor Nelsson, Jonas Wind and Mika Biereth have not been called up by Brian Riemer.
In attack, Will Osula has the opportunity to debut for the national team after ending the impressive 2025-2026 season with 5 goals in 7 matches for Newcastle United. Meanwhile, Christian Eriksen is facing a memorable milestone when the 34-year-old midfielder of Wolfsburg is preparing to wear the Danish national team jersey for the 150th time.
On the Congo side, Desabre is likely to consider rotating forces between the match against Denmark and the clash with Chile next week to ensure fitness for key players before the 2026 World Cup.
In defense, the duo Axel Tuanzebe and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are expected to be in the starting lineup. The midfield may witness the presence of Noah Sadiki, while Yoane Wissa is a bright candidate for a spot in the attack of the African representative.
Expected lineup:
Congo: Mpasi, Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Masuaka, Elia, Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Bongonda, Wissa, Bakambu.
Denmark: Hermansen, Bah, Andersen, Hogsberg, Maehle, Eriksen, Hojbjerg, Hjulmand, Isaksen, Hojlund, Dorgu.
The match between Denmark and Congo takes place at 1:00 AM on June 4th (Vietnam time).
