Charlie Cummings previews Thursday’s UEFA World Cup Play-Off Path D semifinal between Denmark and North Macedonia.
It’s all on the line in the UEFA playoffs. Spots in the 2026 FIFA World Cup remain up for grabs, and everyone will be going hard to secure one. Denmark was already expected to be there, and now has to battle for their spot. North Macedonia would surely be an upset to make the World Cup, and hopes to shock the world on Thursday.
Denmark is a -370 favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, with a draw available at +275. A North Macedonia upset is priced at +1100. Let’s get into a prediction and a pick for this contest.
It’s a bit of a transition time for the Denmark team. Veterans like Christian Eriksen, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Christian Nørgaard, and Frederik Rønnow are all closer to the end of their international careers. It may be their last shot at World Cup glory. But they are handing off to more-than-capable players. Big-time players like Rasmus Højlund, Victor Froholdt, and Gustav Isaksen are significantly boosting their attacking potential. Morten Hjulmand, the Sporting CP midfielder, is ready to bring steadiness to the center of the pitch alongside Højbjerg. It’s a potent group, to be sure.
One key absence to note is Mikkel Damsgaard. The creative Brentford winger is doubtful with a knee injury, which will force manager Brian Riemer to get creative. It’s possible that Eriksen is pushed to a winger role to replace him; they also have capable options like Jesper Lindstrøm, William Osula, and Kasper Høgh.
Defense is the question here. It’s a veteran group, led by Nørgaard in the middle, but not the most talented. Surrendering four goals to Scotland in the final qualification game last November got them into this spot; they need better performances from the back line if they hope to advance.
North Macedonia acquitted itself well in the first qualification stage last fall. Two draws against Belgium, plus key wins over Liechtenstein and Kazakhstan, got them enough points to get here. They leaned on their veterans; big performances from Enis Bardhi, Ezgjan Alioski, and Visar Musliu in the qualification stage kept them alive. Unfortunately for the North Macedonians, Alioski is doubtful for this contest with a knock.
If they want to win, the North Macedonians need to be comfortable playing deep and breaking out of the counter. You can’t get out and running against a Denmark team that has speed and precise passing. Play deep and bide your time. But is that enough to get a win?
It’s always difficult to find value when there is this kind of talent disparity. I trust this Denmark attack to get it done as they put constant pressure on a shaky North Macedonian back line. There’s nothing comfortable about a do-or-die game, but I expect a convincing win here.
Best Bet: Denmark Moneyline + Over 2.5 Total Goals Same Game Parlay (-120)