Denmark will aim to emulate their emotionally charged run to the Euro 2020 semi-finals in Qatar by downplaying the drama of Christian Eriksen’s horrific collapse.
The Manchester United midfielder has made a stunning recovery after suffering a cardiac arrest on the pitch during the tournament, which forced him to leave the game.
Thankfully, he has bounced back and is once again a fixture in the Premier League. Eriksen will act as the creative engine for Dennis in his fifth major tournament.
An impressive qualifying campaign and two recent victories over defending world champions France show the potential of Kaspar Hjulmand’s side, bringing a core of established talent to the mature end of their prime in the Middle East.
If they build momentum in the group stages, another daring Danish charge in the later rounds could be on the cards.
More:
France vs Denmark Final Scores, Highlights, 2022 Group D Match Results
The final 26-man Denmark World Cup squad
Hazulmand had until Friday, October 21 to submit an official preliminary list of 35-55 players to FIFA, from which he had until Monday, November 14 to select the final 26-man roster for Qatar.
Denmark added 21 of their 26 players before the cutoff on November 7 to make the final five.
Of those initially named, Premier League stars Christian Eriksen, Pierre-Emile Hodgson and Mikael Damsgaard all made the cut.
Former Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel was also surprisingly nominated.
Hjulmand claimed his side had 12 players competing for the final five places, with Christian Norgaard and Yussuf Poulsen called up.
Here are the 26 players in Denmark’s final World Cup squad:
| Position | No. | Player | Club | Age | Caps |
| GK | 1 | Kasper Schmeichel | Nice (FRA) | 35 | 86 |
| GK | 16 | Oliver Christensen | Hertha Berlin (GER) | 23 | 1 |
| GK | 22 | Frederik Ronnow | Union Berlin (GER) | 30 | 8 |
| DEF | 6 | Andreas Christensen | Barcelona (SPA) | 26 | 58 |
| DEF | 4 | Simon Kjaer | AC Milan (ITA) | 33 | 121 |
| DEF | 17 | Jens Stryger Larsen | Trabzonspor (TUR) | 31 | 49 |
| DEEF | 2 | Joachim Andersen | Crystal Palace (ENG) | 26 | 19 |
| DEF | 3 | Victor Nelsson | Galatasaray (TUR) | 24 | 7 |
| DEF | 13 | Rasmus Kristensen | Leeds United (ENG) | 25 | 10 |
| DEF | 26 | Alexander Bah | Benfica (POR) | 24 | 4 |
| DEF | 5 | Joakim Maehle | Atalanta (ITA) | 25 | 31 |
| DEF | 18 | Daniel Wass | Brondby (DEN) | 33 | 44 |
| MID | 8 | Thomas Delaney | Sevilla (SPA) | 26 | 20 |
| MID | 10 | Christian Eriksen | Manchester United (ENG) | 30 | 117 |
| MID | 23 | Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg | Tottenham (ENG) | 27 | 60 |
| MID | 14 | Mikkel Damsgaard | Brentford (ENG) | 22 | 18 |
| MID | 15 | Christian Norgaard | Brentford (ENG) | 28 | 17 |
| MID | 7 | Mathias Jensen | Brentford (ENG) | 26 | 20 |
| MID | 25 | Jesper Lindstrom | Eintracht Frankfurt (GER) | 22 | 6 |
| MID | 24 | Robert Skov | Hoffenheim (GER) | 26 | 11 |
| MID | 11 | Andreas Skov Olsen | Club Brugge (BEL) | 22 | 23 |
| FWD | 19 | Jonas Wind | Wolfsburg (GER) | 23 | 15 |
| FWD | 21 | Andreas Cornelius | Copenhagen (DEN) | 29 | 41 |
| FWD | 9 | Martin Braithwaite | Espanyol (SPA) | 31 | 62 |
| FWD | 20 | Yussuf Poulsen | RB Leipzig (GER) | 28 | 68 |
| FWD | 12 | Kasper Dolberg | Sevilla (SPA) | 25 | 37 |
Denmark’s Best Players, Strengths and Weaknesses
A 2-1 extra-time defeat to England in the Euro 2020 semi-finals separated Denmark from an all-odds bid for the title last year.
With a strong back line that is comfortable in possession and capable of launching a thunderous counter-attack at any moment, they should be better equipped in Qatar.
A fit and healthy Erickson’s extra motivation can make a significant difference this year. All the major contenders will be wary of Denmark.
STARS
Denmark’s battle-hardened, close-knit core of talent working at the backbone of their team will be the backbone of any success at this World Cup.
Kasper Schmeichel, Simon Kjaer, Eriksen and Martin Brathwaite are all in their 30s, providing tournament knowledge and leading a young and exciting attack.
Kasper Dolberg is expected to be Denmark’s main goal threat, but a steady start to his season with Sevilla could win Brathwaite the nod.
POWERS
The Danish backline conceded just three goals in their World Cup qualifying campaign. Andreas Christensen and Kjaer were the heroes of their Euro 2020 campaign, while Jannick Verstergaard and Joachim Andersen are also excellent options.
This is a surprisingly balanced squad, with 22-year-old wingers Mikael Damsgaard and Andreas Olsen providing dangerous elements in attack, while the likes of Thomas Delaney and Pierre-Emile Hodgeburg steady the ship in midfield.
WEAKNESS
Hjulmand’s team is full of spirit, has a well-oiled system and has a lot of talent. Regardless, they will still be considered underdogs against the likes of Brazil, England, Germany and Portugal.
Do they have the flexibility to face Messi or Ronaldo? Can they beat Thiago Silva or Antonio Rudiger?