Latvia’s 3×3 basketball national team has advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 FIBA 3×3 World Cup after a commanding performance against Lithuania. Following a hard-fought path through the group stage and an opening play-in victory against New Zealand, the Latvian squad is now set to face top-seeded Serbia on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at 19:10.
How Latvia Secured Its Semifinal Spot
Latvia’s journey to the final four was defined by a mix of early-tournament resilience and a decisive quarterfinal win. After dropping a group-stage game to the United States, the team relied on a 22-20 overtime victory against Poland and wins over the Czech Republic and Mongolia to secure the second seed in Group B. According to reports from the Latvian Basketball Association, the squad—comprising Nauris Miezis, Kārlis Lasmanis, Francis Lācis, and Zigmārs Raimo—carried this momentum into the knockout rounds.
In their quarterfinal clash, the game began with a low-scoring, physical battle. By the fourth minute, a Miezis two-pointer followed by a Lasmanis mid-range basket gave Latvia a 7-3 lead. The team accelerated their offensive output, extending the gap to 10-5 by the fifth minute. Despite a brief surge from the Lithuanian side to narrow the deficit to 8-10, Latvia regained control, eventually pulling away with a 15-9 lead thanks to a critical long-range shot from Lasmanis. The victory ensures Latvia remains in contention for their first-ever 3×3 World Cup title.
Rivalry Dynamics: Latvia vs. Lithuania
The matchup between Latvia and Lithuania carries significant historical weight in the 3×3 circuit. These neighbors have frequently crossed paths on the international stage. According to FIBA records, the two teams met in the bronze medal game at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, where Lithuania claimed a 21-18 victory. Furthermore, Lithuania defeated Latvia 21-17 in the 2025 European Championship final.
While the Latvian quartet has remained consistent, featuring the same core lineup that competed in Paris, the Lithuanian roster has evolved. This year’s Lithuanian team features Ēvalds Džiaugs and Aurēlijs Pukelis—who were part of the Olympic bronze-winning squad—alongside newcomers Roks Jocis and Igns Vaitkus. Unlike Latvia, which had to fight through the playoff bracket, Lithuania entered the quarterfinals with a perfect group stage record, having defeated France, Belgium, Brazil, and Puerto Rico.
What Lies Ahead in the Tournament
With the quarterfinal stage concluded, the focus shifts to the final day of competition on Sunday. Latvia’s next opponent, Serbia, enters the semifinals as the number one seed. While Latvia has previously secured a silver medal at the World Cup seven years ago and a third-place finish in 2023, they have yet to capture the gold. As the tournament progresses toward the final medal matches, the physical toll of the preceding games will be a primary factor for all remaining teams.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who represents Latvia in the 2026 3×3 World Cup? The team consists of Nauris Miezis, Kārlis Lasmanis, Francis Lācis, and Zigmārs Raimo.
- When is the semifinal match? The semifinal match between Latvia and Serbia is scheduled for Sunday, June 7, 2026, at 19:10.
- How did Latvia reach the quarterfinals? After finishing second in Group B, Latvia defeated New Zealand 21-19 in the round of 16.
Want to follow the final results of the 2026 FIBA 3×3 World Cup? Subscribe to our newsletter for post-match analysis and updates on the Latvian national team’s pursuit of gold.
