Latvia’s men’s 3×3 basketball team, featuring Nauris Miezis, Kārlis Lasmanis, Francis Lācis, and Zigmārs Raimo, has secured a spot in the 2026 World Cup final in Warsaw. After a dramatic 20-19 overtime victory against Serbia on Sunday, June 7, 2026, the team advances to compete for the gold medal, marking their third top-four finish in tournament history.
How Latvia Secured Their Path to the Final
The road to the championship match required resilience against top-tier competition. According to match reporting, the Latvian squad—seeded seventh in the tournament—overcame a late-game deficit against the top-seeded Serbian team. With three minutes remaining in regulation, a Miezis two-pointer put Latvia ahead 13-12, but the team later trailed by three points. A late surge forced a 16-16 tie, and after trading baskets to reach 18-18, the game moved to overtime.
In the FIBA 3×3 format, overtime is played until one team scores two points. While Serbia struck first, a clutch two-pointer from Lasmanis ultimately sealed the 20-19 victory for Latvia. This performance follows a strong tournament run that included a 22-13 quarterfinal win over Lithuania and a 21-19 victory against New Zealand in the round of 16.
Latvia is appearing in the World Cup for the sixth consecutive time. Their tournament history includes a silver medal in 2019 and a bronze medal in 2023.
Historical Context and Performance Trends
This 2026 appearance is the third time Latvia has reached the final four of the World Cup. Comparing their recent trajectory, the team has shown a consistent ability to challenge the sport’s elite. In 2019, Latvia defeated Serbia in the semifinals before falling to the United States in the final. In 2023, the narrative shifted; they lost to Serbia in the semis but rebounded to defeat Brazil in the bronze medal game.
The rivalry with Serbia remains a significant benchmark. While Serbia has frequently stood in their path, Latvia’s recent tactical flexibility—demonstrated by their ability to rotate personnel, such as substituting Rihards Kuksiks for Lasmanis in previous European Cup campaigns—has kept them competitive at the highest level of international 3×3 basketball.
What Happens Next in the Tournament?
Following the semifinal results, Latvia is scheduled to play for the gold medal at 22:15 local time on Sunday. Their opponent will be determined by the second semifinal match between Germany (seeded sixth) and France (seeded fifth).
Fans in Latvia can follow the final match live. According to official broadcast information, the game will be aired on LTV 7, with streaming coverage available via the Latvian public media platforms “LSM.lv” and “Replay.lv.” While the women’s national team concluded their tournament run in the round of 16 on Friday, the men’s side remains the final Latvian representative in Warsaw.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is on the Latvian 3×3 men’s roster for the 2026 World Cup? The team consists of Nauris Miezis, Kārlis Lasmanis, Francis Lācis, and Zigmārs Raimo.
- How does the overtime work in FIBA 3×3 basketball? The game ends when one team scores two points in the overtime period.
- Where is the 2026 3×3 World Cup being held? The tournament is taking place in Warsaw, Poland.
- When is the final match scheduled? The gold medal game is set for 22:15 on Sunday, June 7, 2026.
Are you following the 2026 World Cup? Share your predictions for the gold medal match in the comments below, or subscribe to our sports newsletter for daily updates on international basketball results.
