Latvia enter the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup Crelan 2026 in Antwerp with the confidence of reigning world champions, but they will have a noticeably different lineup from the team that captured World Cup gold in Warsaw.
World Cup MVP Karlis Lasmanis and Francis Lacis will miss the tournament, leaving experienced stars Nauris Miezis and Zigmars Raimo to lead the new-look Latvian squad.
Latvia’s latest World Cup triumph added another milestone to the nation’s impressive 3x3 basketball record. For Miezis, the victory completed an extraordinary collection of major titles, adding World Cup gold to his Olympic and Europe Cup successes.
A veteran playmaker and prolific shooter, Miezis will once again be central to Latvia’s hopes in Antwerp. Raimo provides further experience, while Kristaps Gludītis could emerge as a key player after recently helping Shibuya win the FIBA 3x3 Kaohsiung Challenger 2026. Rihards Kuksiks completes the squad.
Tough Test in Pool C
Latvia face a challenging group, joining Ireland and defending champions Lithuania in Pool C.
The matchup with Lithuania promises to be particularly intriguing. Lithuania defeated Latvia in the 2025 Europe Cup final to claim the continental title, but Latvia responded at the 2026 World Cup by eliminating their Baltic rivals in the quarter-finals.
Their latest encounter in Antwerp will provide another chapter in the growing rivalry — and a crucial test of whether Latvia can maintain its winning standards without Lasmanis and Lacis.
More Than Just a Trophy
The tournament carries significant importance beyond the Europe Cup title. The men’s 2026 champions will also secure qualification for the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2027 and the FIBA 3x3 Champions Cup 2027.
That makes every game particularly important as Latvia attempt to build chemistry with their reshuffled roster.
The world champions arrive in Antwerp with an established winning mentality, but their latest challenge is different. Miezis, Raimo and their new teammates must prove that Latvia’s success goes beyond one particular group of players.