The Diablotins confirm first place and Euro 2027 ticket

Belgium's U21 Diablotins secured their ticket to Euro 2027 after a goalless draw against Denmark, finishing top of their group with seventeen points. The match, marked by a first half without a decisive chance and a second period where Denmark intensified the pressure, was enough to validate the mission announced by coach Gill Swerts.

The opening minutes were difficult for Gill Swerts' men, pressed by a Danish side eager for victory. Belgium gradually found its bearings, Samuel Mbangula taking advantage of a Danish goalkeeper's hand to attempt an indirect free kick, while Arthur Vermeeren animated the left flank. Kamiel Van De Perre then struck the crossbar after finding space, and Norman Bassette saw his cross lack power. Lucca Brughmans had a calm evening, the future Liverpool goalkeeper making a fine save from a deflected shot.

The group and the standings

The Diablotins finish top of their group with seventeen points. Denmark occupies second place with fifteen points, just ahead of Austria with fourteen points. Wales is placed with six points and Belarus with four points. This top spot spares Belgium the playoffs and guarantees a place at the tournament which will be held in Serbia and Albania next summer.

In the second half, Belgium lost precision and increasingly struggled to keep possession. Denmark realised it could turn the situation around and intensified its attacks. Matte Smets made a crucial intervention on the line to prevent the opening of the score. Ten minutes from the end, August Priske created one of Denmark's best chances, but his shot went over goalkeeper Lucca Brughmans.

Belgian prospects chase Euro ticket in crucial duel against Denmark

The decisive moments of the match

Belgium escaped conceding a goal at a moment when Danish pressure was increasing. In stoppage time, the Danes tried two new attacks, one saved with a chest by Brughmans and another that brushed the crossbar with a header. Coach Gill Swerts had warned: “We are not going to speculate on a draw,” highlighting the difficulty of the task.

Lucca Brughmans kept his composure, making two decisive saves, first with his chest and then with a header that brushed the post. The Belgian defence remained solid until the final whistle, preventing the Danes from scoring.

The draw was enough to validate the announced mission, securing first place in the group and the ticket to Euro 2027. Belgium thus becomes the fifth generation to qualify for the under‑21 championship.

Denmark, despite its fifteen points, will still have to go through the playoffs to try to join the Belgians in Serbia and Albania.