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News
- 6 Mar 2026
Celtic's Kasper Schmeichel sent warning by Denmark boss as World Cup dream hangs in the balance
Martin Macdonald
- 7 Mar 2026 09:01 CST
- 6 min read
News
Kasper Schmeichel has been warned that reputation alone will not be enough to guarantee him a place in the 2026 World Cup - should Denmark qualify.
Denmark failed to qualify via the group stage but could still reach the finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico if they progress through the UEFA playoffs later this month. Four teams out of 12 will qualify and Denmark must first negotiate their first match against North Macedonia.
For the first time in a decade, there is uncertainty over who will start in goal for Denmark as Schmeichel has been in woeful form for Scottish champions Celtic this season. A succession of high-profile errors both domestically and in the Europa League have led to criticism from fans and pundits - and the Dane was even booed by a section of the home fans after a mistake in a recent Europa League playoff loss versus Stuttgart.
Stuttgart fire in a third and Celtic now trail by two goals at home ⚽️
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/xhwgicEB8j— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 19, 2026
He reportedly takes pain-killing injections to help deal with a shoulder injury, while he recently missed the 2-2 draw with Rangers due to illness.
Viljami Sinisalo took his place for that match and during the week against Aberdeen and Celtic boss Martin O'Neill has a huge decision to make as to who will start in goal in Sunday's crunch Scottish cup tie, again against Rangers at Ibrox.
Denmark head coach Brian Riemer has a similar quandary ahead.
"Kasper has played the most international matches for Denmark as a goalkeeper, apart from his father [Peter]," he told reporters.
"But Kasper is now 39 years old, and of course there should be a public debate about a 39-year-old.
"I have always said that I don't think there is a difference between the outfield player and goalkeeper positions.
"I play with the players that I think are the right ones and I also do that in the goalkeeper position.
"That is why I also follow the situation in our goalkeepers' clubs with great interest.
"I've noticed that there are many people who are interested in the goalkeeper position. We should be happy about that.
"It's completely wrong to say I will pick Kasper because he has been such a great personality in the Denmark team over the years.
"If I did that, I shouldn't be in the job. It's very simple. Kasper Schmeichel represents Denmark if he's the best - and of course, it's me who decides.
"He will never play an international match for me because he has won 120 caps, has been our keeper for ten years or because he once saved a penalty. I can say that 100 per cent.
"I can guarantee I will choose the best goalkeeper to play for Denmark."
Schmeichel's competition at national team level is Mads Hermansen of West Ham and Filip Jorgensen of Chelsea, both of whom are gaining more minutes recently in England.
He has earned 120 caps for his nation - fifth on the all-time list behind Christian Eriksen, Simon Kjaer, his father Peter Schmeichel and Dennis Rommedahl.
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