Denmark-Ukraine friendly abandoned after Eriksen collapses on pitch
The Danish Football Association halted the fixture in the 65th minute following a medical emergency involving Christian Eriksen, who is undergoing hospital examinations to determine the cause of the incident.
Denmark’s friendly match against Ukraine was abandoned in the 65th minute on 7 June 2026 after midfielder Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch. The Danish Football Association (DBU) confirmed that the fixture was called off immediately following the medical emergency, which occurred during Eriksen’s 151st international appearance.
Eriksen, who suffered a cardiac arrest during the European Championship in 2020, regained consciousness quickly and walked to the ambulance under his own power. According to the DBU, the 34-year-old is conscious and doing well under the circumstances. National team doctor Morten Boesen stated that Eriksen’s implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) responded as expected during the incident.
Boesen noted that Eriksen was briefly unconscious but regained consciousness very quickly. The doctor relayed that Eriksen asked him to convey his regards to the players and confirm he was okay. Eriksen is currently undergoing further examinations at a hospital to determine the specific cause of the collapse, with the DBU stating they are in ongoing contact with him and the treating medical staff.
The incident has drawn attention given Eriksen’s medical history. Following his cardiac arrest during the 2020 tournament, he required the insertion of an ICD to electronically restart his heart. This device prevented him from continuing his career at Inter Milan, leading to a return to play with Brentford in the Premier League after more than a year away from the sport. He spent the past season with Wolfsburg, where Denmark fell just short of qualifying for the World Cup.
It remains unknown if this recent collapse is related to a similar heart issue as the 2020 incident. Reports indicate that Eriksen appeared to put his hand on his chest before collapsing, prompting referees to stop play and allow medical officials to take over. The match was subsequently abandoned, and Eriksen was transported for further assessment.
