TL;DR — Who's Better, Denmark or South Korea?
Denmark are favored over South Korea at the 2026 World Cup, with our AI model projecting a 45% win probability for Denmark versus 39% for South Korea (and 16% for a draw). The edge is driven primarily by Denmark's higher squad chemistry, though South Korea remain capable of an upset on tournament form.
The Bottom Line
This is an extremely tight matchup. Both Denmark and South Korea are evenly matched across key metrics, making this one of the most unpredictable potential encounters at the 2026 World Cup. Tactical execution and individual moments of brilliance will likely decide the outcome.
Key Differences: Denmark vs South Korea
- •FIFA Ranking: Denmark sit 2 places higher on the FIFA ranking (#21 vs #23).
- •Squad Chemistry: Denmark have stronger squad cohesion (80/100 vs 76/100).
- •Average Squad Rating: The two squads are rated within 0.2 of each other on average (Denmark 6.9, South Korea 6.9).
- •International Experience: Denmark bring more combined caps to the squad (1003 vs 985).
- •World Cup Titles: Neither side has won a World Cup; both are chasing a first title in 2026.
Who Wins?
Our AI model weighs form, squad quality, and team cohesion to predict the most likely outcome.
How They Compare
A side-by-side look at the key factors that could decide this matchup. Higher is better (except FIFA Ranking, where lower = stronger).
What do these mean?
- Chemistry — How well the squad plays together as a unit. Think Barcelona's tiki-taka vs a random group of all-stars.
- Familiarity — How long these players have been playing together. Squads with years of shared experience read each other's runs instinctively.
- Stability — How consistent the tactical system and lineup have been. Frequent coaching changes and formation experiments hurt this score.
- Morale — The squad's current confidence and momentum. Recent wins, fan support, and media positivity all contribute.
Denmark
South Korea
Squad Comparison
Key Player Matchups
World Cup History
Denmark vs South Korea — Frequently Asked Questions
Who is favored to win between Denmark and South Korea at the 2026 World Cup?
Denmark are favored, with a 45% projected win probability versus 40% for South Korea and a 16% chance of a draw. The edge comes from a combination of FIFA ranking, squad chemistry, and current form.
What are Denmark's strongest attributes versus South Korea?
Denmark lead South Korea in squad chemistry, team familiarity, tactical stability. South Korea, in turn, have the edge in squad morale.
What is the World Cup history of Denmark versus South Korea?
Denmark have appeared in 6 FIFA World Cups and won 0 titles; South Korea have appeared in 11 World Cups and won 0 titles. Denmark's best finish is Quarter-finals; South Korea's best finish is Semi-finals.
Have Denmark and South Korea faced each other in major international competition?
Denmark and South Korea have not been frequent opponents in our tracked head-to-head record set, which focuses on the most consequential international rivalries. The 2026 World Cup could provide one of their first high-stakes meetings on the global stage.
Which players will define the Denmark versus South Korea match?
Rasmus Højlund (Denmark, Manchester United, rated 7.3/10) and Son Heung-min (South Korea, Tottenham Hotspur, rated 8.5/10) are the standout attack players in this fixture. Their individual duel — and the ability of each side's defense to contain the other's top attacker — is likely to determine the outcome.
Which squad has more international experience: Denmark or South Korea?
Denmark carry the more experienced squad, with 1003 combined senior caps versus 985 for South Korea. Average squad rating is 6.9 for Denmark and 6.9 for South Korea.