Denmark has no single sport written into law as its national sport, but in practice two games share that role: football (soccer) and handball. Football is the country's most popular and most-watched sport, with the deepest grassroots base, while handball runs a remarkably close second thanks to one of the most successful national teams on the planet. Between them, these two sports define Denmark's sporting identity at home and abroad.
Football: The Most Popular Sport
Football has been Denmark's dominant sport since the early twentieth century. The Danish Football Association (Dansk Boldspil-Union, founded in 1889) is one of the oldest football federations in the world, and the Danish Superliga sits at the top of a well-organised league pyramid. Clubs such as FC Copenhagen, Brøndby IF, and FC Midtjylland command large, loyal followings, and youth participation is high across a country of roughly six million people.
The national team's defining moment came at Euro 1992. Denmark had failed to qualify, but were drafted in just over a week before the tournament after Yugoslavia was disqualified amid the Yugoslav Wars. Against all expectation, they beat the reigning world champions Germany 2-0 in the final to lift the trophy — a result widely regarded as the greatest underdog story in football history. More recently, the team reached the semi-finals of Euro 2020 (played in 2021), a campaign made all the more emotional by Christian Eriksen's on-field collapse and recovery during the opening match.
Handball: A Genuine Co-National Sport
If football is the most popular sport by numbers, handball is the one in which Denmark is among the very best in the world. The Danish men's national handball team has been a global powerhouse for two decades, winning three consecutive World Championships in 2019, 2021, and 2023 — an unprecedented run of dominance in the sport. They have also taken Olympic gold, claiming the title at Rio 2016.
Handball's popularity is woven into everyday Danish life. The sport is played in schools and local clubs nationwide, indoor arenas fill for top matches, and the women's national team has its own proud history, including Olympic golds in the 1990s and 2000s. Because participation, success, and public passion are all so high, many Danes regard handball as a co-equal national sport alongside football rather than a distant runner-up.
Other Sports Where Denmark Excels
Beyond its two flagship sports, Denmark punches above its weight across several disciplines:
- Cycling: A deeply rooted cycling culture supports both everyday transport and elite competition; Danish riders are regular contenders in the Tour de France, and the 2022 Tour started in Copenhagen.
- Sailing: As a maritime nation with a long coastline, Denmark consistently wins Olympic medals in dinghy and keelboat classes.
- Badminton: Denmark is the strongest badminton nation outside Asia, with world and Olympic champions including Viktor Axelsen.
- Tennis: Caroline Wozniacki reached world number one and won the Australian Open in 2018.
- Speedway and golf: Both have produced world-class Danish competitors in recent decades.
Why Denmark Has No Single Official Sport
Unlike a handful of countries that formally legislate a national sport, Denmark recognises its sporting identity through culture and tradition rather than statute. This reflects a broader Scandinavian approach in which sport is organised around voluntary associations and broad community participation rather than top-down designation. The combination of football's mass popularity and handball's sustained international success means that both sports are commonly cited together when Danes describe their national game. For a wider look at the country, its geography, and its culture, see the denmark country guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the national sport of Denmark?
Denmark does not have one legally defined national sport. In practice, football (soccer) and handball share the role: football is the most popular and widely played sport, while handball is the one in which Denmark is consistently among the world's best.
Is football or handball more popular in Denmark?
Football has the larger fan base and the most participants, especially at youth and grassroots level. Handball, however, enjoys near-equal popularity and arguably greater international success, which is why the two are often named together.
What major titles has Denmark won in these sports?
In football, Denmark won the UEFA European Championship in 1992. In handball, the men's team won World Championships in 2019, 2021, and 2023, plus Olympic gold at Rio 2016, while the women's team has multiple Olympic golds.
What continent is Denmark on?
Denmark is located in Northern Europe, with its capital at Copenhagen. It borders Germany to the south and sits between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea.
