Latvian men’s 3×3 basketball team members Nauris Miezis, Kārlis Lasmanis, Francis Lācis, and Zigmārs Raimo have advanced to the FIBA 3×3 World Cup semifinals in Warsaw. The team secured their spot among the final four by defeating Lithuania 22:13 in the quarterfinals on June 6, 2026, marking their third appearance in the tournament semifinals.
How the Latvian team reached the semifinals
Latvia’s path to the semifinals in Warsaw involved a consistent run through both group play and the knockout stages. During the group phase, the team finished second in Group B. According to tournament records, they recorded wins against Poland (22:20 in overtime), the Czech Republic (21:15), and Mongolia (21:12), while suffering a 14:17 loss to the United States. In the Round of 16, Latvia defeated New Zealand 21:19 before their decisive 22:13 victory over Lithuania in the quarterfinals.
Nauris Miezis led the scoring in the quarterfinal against Lithuania, contributing 10 points and successfully executing four of his eight long-range attempts.
Comparative performance: A history of tournament success
The 2026 campaign adds to Latvia’s established history in the 3×3 World Cup. The team’s trajectory shows a pattern of high-level performance over the last several years:
- 2019 (Amsterdam): Latvia reached the semifinals, defeating Serbia 22:19 before falling to the United States in the final to take silver.
- 2023 (Vienna): The team reached the final four again, losing to Serbia 18:21 in the semifinals but securing the bronze medal by defeating Brazil 22:12.
- 2026 (Warsaw): The team has reached the semifinals for the third time, setting up a rematch against Serbia.
What happens next in the tournament?
The final day of competition, June 7, 2026, features the semifinals and medal matches. Latvia is scheduled to face the top-seeded Serbian team at 19:10. The winner of this matchup will move on to the final. The second semifinal, featuring France (5th seed) and Germany (6th seed), is set for 19:40. The bronze medal game will take place at 21:05, followed by the championship final at 22:15.
Fans can watch the games live on LTV 7 or through the digital platforms “LSM.lv” and “Replay.lv.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the members of the Latvian 3×3 men’s team?
The squad competing in the 2026 World Cup consists of Nauris Miezis, Kārlis Lasmanis, Francis Lācis, and Zigmārs Raimo.
How many times has Latvia reached the World Cup semifinals?
Following their performance in Warsaw, Latvia has reached the World Cup semifinals three times: in 2019, 2023, and 2026.
Where can I watch the 2026 FIBA 3×3 World Cup games?
The matches are broadcast on the LTV 7 television channel and available for streaming via “LSM.lv” and “Replay.lv.”
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