Wales remain without a victory in 2026 after a 2-0 defeat to Denmark in Copenhagen left Craig Bellamy’s side bottom of their Nations League A group.
An own goal from captain Ben Davies and a second-half strike from Gustav Isaksen settled the contest at Parken Stadium, giving Denmark their first win of the campaign and leaving Wales pointless after two matches.
Bellamy made six changes from the side beaten 1-0 by Portugal three days earlier, but Denmark controlled much of the opening half-hour and repeatedly threatened Danny Ward’s goal.
Isaksen and Patrick Dorgu both missed early opportunities before the hosts appeared to take the lead through Isaksen. Rasmus Hojlund delivered from the right and Isaksen finished with a powerful volley, but VAR ruled the goal out for offside in the build-up.
Denmark went close again almost immediately when Mikkel Damsgaard struck the post from the edge of the penalty area.
Wales took more than half an hour to create a meaningful chance, with Sorba Thomas curling narrowly wide. Brennan Johnson then failed to make the most of a free-kick, while Connor Roberts forced goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen into a sharp save from close range.
Neco Williams tested Jorgensen shortly after the break, but Denmark moved ahead in the 53rd minute. Damsgaard’s driven free-kick deflected off Davies and beat Ward, leaving the Wales captain with an unfortunate own goal.
Thomas almost produced an immediate response with a dangerous cross that passed just beyond the far post, but Denmark continued to create the clearer openings.
Mohamed Daramy missed a major chance before Isaksen finally secured his goal. Kieffer Moore initially cleared the ball off the line, but Isaksen’s follow-up effort took a deflection and looped into the net. VAR reviewed the incident before confirming the goal.
Roberts later shot straight at Jorgensen, while Hojlund had a late effort ruled out for offside.
The victory was Denmark’s first since March and strengthened their position in Group 4. Wales, meanwhile, have now gone six matches without a win this year and remain fourth with no points ahead of home fixtures against Norway and Denmark next week.
The result also extended Bellamy’s wait for a victory against a nation ranked above Wales.