Denmark are just one of the 24 teams taking part at the Euros 2024 in Germany. Here’s everything you need to know about the team, who shared a group with England, Slovenia and Serbia and face Germany in the Round of 16!

1. The team played their first game in 1908

Denmark played their first football game on October 19, 1908. This match was part of the 1908 Summer Olympics in London, where they took on France and won 9-0! But technically, they won the 1906 Intercalated Olympics tournament, but did not register with their football association – the DBU – so that didn’t officially count. Whoops!

2. Their badge says Danish Football Association

They were founded on 18 May, 1889 and has the distinction of being the first national football association outside Great Britain and Ireland.

3. Goalie Kasper Schmeichel’s dad played for Manchester United

Peter Schmeichel is a legendary goalkeeper who played for Denmark and Manchester United, from 1991 to 1999. Schmeichel is seen as one of the greatest goalkeepers in game, so it was natural his son Kasper would follow in his footsteps. Kasper played for Leicester City between 2011 and 2022, before moving to Nice and eventually signed for Anderlecht. He’s made over 100 appearances for the national team and counting!

4. The team play their home games in Copenhagen

The national team play their matches at Parken Stadium, the home of FC Copehagen. Along with football matches, the 38,190 capacity stadium has also hosted pop concerts and the Eurovision Song Contest in 2001. The stadium also has a retractable roof.

5. Their captain is Simon Kjær

The AC Milan defender was born in 1989 and made his senior international debut in 2009. Over the course of his career, he’s played in the World Cup and the Euros three times each. He became Denmark’s captain in 2016, replacing Daniel Agger.

6. They have two players who’ve both scored 52 times

Both Poul Nielsen and Jon Dahl Tomasson have the distinction of scoring for Denmark 52 times! Godt gået, their fans might say.

7. Their nickname is Danish Dynamite

One popular chant you might hear at a Denmark game is ‘We are red, we are white, we are Danish Dynamite’ but in Danish. Oh, alright. It’s Vi er røde, vi er hvide, vi er dansk dynamit.

8. They once won the Euros despite not even qualifying

Denmark shouldn’t have took part in the 1992 Euros at all. They originally failed to qualify for the tournament which took place in Sweden, but due to the Yugoslav Wars, FR Yugoslavia were disqualified and Denmark were selected to take their place (as runners-up in their qualifying group). The underdogs were placed second in the group stage (featuring Sweden, France and England – who came last, but we don’t talk about that), then beat the Netherlands 5-4 on penalties to get to the final. In the final, they faced Germany and won 2-0!

9. Denmark fans had a lot to cheer about in 1908

As part of the London Olympics in 1908, Denmark beat France 9-0 and then a few days later, beat them again 17–1! Did they even have a goalkeeper?

10. They’ve also had some big defeats

The Danish side’s heaviest defeat happened in 1937 when they played Germany in Breslau. They lost 8-0.

11. Their FIFA world ranking is 21

In June 2024, Denmark were ranked the 21st best men’s team in the world, according to FIFA. The world’s number 1 is Argentina, thanks to their 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

12. They share a rivalry with Sweden

The atmosphere at Denmark-Sweden games is always loud and electric! Sweden currently lead by 46 wins to Denmark’s 41, with 20 games ending in a draw!

13. Their manager is Kasper Hjulmand

Kasper was born in Gandrup, Denmark and has managed several club sides before being made manager in 2019. He’s led Lyngby, Nordsjælland (twice) and Mainz 05. He’s also 6′ 4!

14. They’ve won medals at the Olympics too

As well as the Euros, Denmark have won a series of medals at the Olympic Games. They won silver in London 1908, silver at Stockholm 1912, bronze in London 1948, silver in Rome 1960. While we’re talking trophies, they also won the FIFA Confederations Cup in 1995!

15. Christian Eriksen has made the most appearances for Denmark

Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen has played for Denmark more than any other player, marking over 130 appearances so far. His friend and team captain Simon Kjær (who helped save his life after suffering a heart attack on the pitch at the Euros 2020) is not far behind.