Credit: Imago/Getty Images

James Barker

Fri 27 March 2026 9:10, UK

West Ham United goalkeeper Mads Hermansen marked his Denmark debut with a clean sheet and a win over North Macedonia in a World Cup play-off semi-final on Thursday.

The 25-year-old had only ever represented Denmark at youth level before Thursday night, but that all changed against North Macedonia.

Denmark ran out comfortable 4-0 winners in Copenhagen, with goals from Brentford’s Mikkel Damsgaard, Arsenal’s Christian Norgaard and a brace from Lazio winger Gustav Isaksen respectively.

Hermansen played the full 90 minutes in his senior Denmark debut, and he looks sure to reprise that role when the Danes clash with Czechia on Tuesday 31 March for a place in the World Cup finals.

As such, Hermansen is set to return to West Ham full of confidence, and ready to help prevent the Hammers from suffering relegation in their final seven games of the Premier League season.

How did Mads Hermansen play in Denmark vs North Macedonia?

Hermansen has earned his Denmark call-up, with the shot-stopper enjoying a real West Ham revival over recent weeks since he was promoted to the number one role over Alphonse Areola.

He was excellent in the recent draw with Man City and the 1-0 win away at Fulham respectively, and couldn’t do much to prevent either of Aston Villa’s two goals last weekend.

As such, his form will be pivotal to West Ham’s chances of survival, with some must-win games on the agenda after the international break against the likes of Wolves and Crystal Palace respectively.

For now though, his sole focus will be on helping Denmark reach this summer’s World Cup, and his performance against North Macedonia on Thursday certainly did so.

As per Sofascore, Hermansen wasn’t forced into making any saves, but did make one successful punched clearance, recorded a passing accuracy of 78 per cent and made seven carries with the ball.

He also made one clearance, three recoveries, won his only ground duel, took 22 touches and won one foul respectively.

So, whilst it wasn’t the busiest of evenings for him, Hermansen remained switched on and alert to what was happening, and simply did everything that he needed to in the game when called upon.

Hermansen should be West Ham’s number one next season

Regardless of what division West Ham are plying their trade in for 2026-27, Hermansen should be their starting goalkeeper.

The 25-year-old wouldn’t have to sacrifice his international career in the Championship, as he should still get called up by Denmark if he’s shining in the second tier.

With Areola now 33 and having seen his starting role go to Hermansen, and with Lukasz Fabianski 40-years old and out of contract this summer, the Hammers’ goalkeeping department is set to be overhauled this summer.

However, Hermansen shouldn’t be impacted by that, rather, the Irons may well need to sign one or two new shot-stoppers to compete for the backup role behind the Dane initially, with the vision of eventually pushing him for starting opportunities.