Latvia’s men’s 3×3 basketball team secured their first-ever World Cup title this past weekend in Warsaw, Poland, by defeating Germany in the final. The team—consisting of Nauris Miezis, Kārlis Pauls Lasmanis, Francis Lācis, and Zigmārs Raimo—returned to Riga on Monday, June 8, 2026, to a celebratory welcome at the “Daugava” sports hall.
How the Latvian 3×3 Team Clinched the World Cup
The path to the gold medal saw the Latvian squad navigate a challenging tournament bracket. After group stage play, where the team recorded wins against Poland, the Czech Republic, and Mongolia—and a loss to the United States—they entered the knockout rounds. According to the team’s tournament record, Latvia defeated New Zealand in the round of 16, followed by victories over Lithuania and Serbia to reach the final.
Nauris Miezis, who noted the victory felt like finding the “last piece of the puzzle,” credited their group-stage win over Poland as the turning point that allowed the team to find their rhythm. Despite a collision during warm-ups that left Kārlis Pauls Lasmanis with a broken nose, the team pushed through to victory. Lasmanis, who was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), described the final as a “rodeo” that eventually shifted in Latvia’s favor.
Did you know? While the Latvian 3×3 team had previously captured Olympic gold, this 2026 victory marks their first time standing atop the podium at the World Cup.
The Impact of Small-Nation Success
Ilze Indriksone, the Minister of Education and Science, attended the homecoming event and characterized the team’s performance as proof that smaller nations can possess immense competitive strength. The event was also attended by Latvian Basketball Association President Raimonds Vējonis and Latvian Olympic Committee President Raimonds Lazdiņš.
For players like Francis Lācis, the motivation stemmed from a desire to provide a “great day for all of Latvia” rather than focusing solely on individual accolades. The team’s commitment to collective success was echoed by Zigmārs Raimo, who emphasized the rarity of becoming a world champion.
Future Outlook for 3×3 Basketball
While the team is currently focused on celebrating their achievement, the long-term future of the roster remains a subject of interest for fans. Miezis stated that while he is happy to have reached this “big goal,” he is not yet looking too far ahead. The team’s success highlights the growing prestige of the 3×3 format, which has rapidly evolved from a recreational game to a high-stakes international sport.
Pro Tip: Tracking 3×3 Rankings
To stay updated on international 3×3 standings and future tournament schedules, fans should monitor official updates from the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the Latvian Basketball Association. These organizations remain the primary sources for athlete rankings and upcoming event eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who were the members of the winning Latvian 3×3 team? The roster included Nauris Miezis, Kārlis Pauls Lasmanis, Francis Lācis, and Zigmārs Raimo.
- Who was named MVP of the tournament? Kārlis Pauls Lasmanis received the honor of Most Valuable Player for his performance throughout the World Cup.
- Where was the 2026 World Cup held? The tournament final took place in Warsaw, Poland.
- What was the team’s path to the final? After the group stage, Latvia defeated New Zealand, Lithuania, and Serbia to secure their spot in the championship game against Germany.
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