Lyng's Denmark ready 'to dare' at U-17 World Cup

• Mads Lyng set to coach Denmark at U-17 World Cup

• Tournament being held in Qatar from 19 November to 13 December

• Danes drawn in Group C with Argentina, Australia and Mozambique

When Mads Lyng passionately sets out his coaching principles, it quickly becomes apparent why he has been given the responsibility of leading Denmark at the FIFA U-17 World Cup™.

The Danes have qualified for the tournament for the first time in 15 years and are intent on making an impact.

In conversation with FIFA, Lyng’s relish for the task at hand is palpable. As preparations for Qatar 2026 ramp up, he explains how creating a supportive, competitive environment which encourages players to “be themselves” is paramount.

“The main thing in our team is to dare to do stuff,” he says. “We dare to be open in the way we approach each other and the way we talk to each other. We dare to be direct. If we dislike something, we say it. We also dare to tell somebody if they're doing really well, and we dare to be vulnerable if there's something we need help to do.

“If we don't have the culture and the togetherness in the team, there's no way we're going to win anything. For me, I need to ‘feel’ people. I don't like football if we just sit and look at the tactics and then we analyse everything and then we talk. No, it's about feelings. I want the players to show their personality.”

On how his approach manifests itself on the pitch, Lyng says: “I want to see some dynamic football. I want them [the players] to be physical. I want them to run. I need them to react all the time.

“I want to press high. And when the opponents play past us, then we sprint back. I don't want a team who just has possession. I don't like having the ball just to have it. And the first time we can go forward, we do it. We don't kick it long if it's not the right decision, but we don't keep the ball just to keep it.”

While he is only 43 years old, Lyng boasts extensive experience. A centre-back as a youngster – he grew up idolising legendary AC Milan pair Franco Baresi and Paolo Maldini – he moved into coaching when his playing career was cut short by injury at the age of 16.

Lyng started by coaching boys’ and girls’ teams before progressing to academy and then senior football. He joined the national team set-up in 2025, having previously been assistant manager at Danish top-flight club Odense. He first took charge of Denmark’s U-19 side and guided them to qualification for the U-19 UEFA EURO 2026. He is now primed for his second major tournament of the year at the U-17 World Cup.

Denmark have been drawn in an intriguing group at Qatar 2026, where they will face Argentina, Australia and Mozambique.

“I expect all three opponents to play lively games, open games,” says Lyng. “I also expect them to play quite physically. I hope they do, because that's where I want our players to improve. We need to be able to take on these games where there will be duels. I know we have a great team on the ball, but now is the time to develop our skills off the ball, too.

“Our opponents may also be more used to playing in temperatures like we’ll have in Qatar. We have to adapt, of course. We need to try to control the games in our way.”

Last year’s U-17 World Cup was also held in Qatar and was the first to feature 48 teams. It proved a roaring success, with thousands of fans turning out to watch football’s most exciting young talents compete for global glory.

“Not many players will get these opportunities,” says Lyng. “It’s something that people will remember for their whole lives. Even though you can have long career as a senior player, you will still remember when you went to a U-17 World Cup. That's big.

“For these players, this will be a great investment in their careers, a great experience, as it will also be for me personally. I'm always proud to represent my country, but you feel it a little extra when it's a championship. I'm really looking forward to it.”

Denmark’s only previous appearance at the U-17 World Cup came at Mexico 2011, when a team featuring the likes of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Christian Norgaard were eliminated in the group stage. Lyng believes the 2026 generation can embark on a deep run in Qatar.

“We definitely want to qualify from our group and hopefully go even further,” he says. “Of course, we want to develop our style of play, our team, and develop the players. This will be a part of it. But there's no doubt that we're also coming to win and to move on as far as possible.”