ANTWERP (Belgium) – Latvia arrive at the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup Crelan 2026 as world champions, but the team taking the court in Antwerp will look notably different from the one that conquered Warsaw. Karlis Lasmanis, the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2026 MVP, and Francis Lacis will both be absent, leaving Nauris Miezis and Zigmars Raimo to lead a reshuffled squad into their next major challenge.
Latvia's World Cup 2026 triumph added another glorious chapter to the country's decorated 3x3 history. For Miezis, it also completed a remarkable collection, adding World Cup gold to his previous Olympic and Europe Cup triumphs. One of the game's premier playmakers and shooters, the veteran remains the heartbeat of a Latvian team that knows exactly what it takes to win on the biggest stages.
That pedigree should give Latvia plenty of belief in Antwerp, even if their new-look roster will have to quickly find their rhythm. Miezis and Raimo provide the stability and continuity, while Kristaps Gludītis could prove to be an x-factor after recently helping Shibuya capture the FIBA 3x3 Kaohsiung Challenger 2026. Rihards Kuksiks completes a quartet that will be tasked with showing Latvia's strength extends beyond the group that lifted the World Cup trophy.
There will be little time to settle in, though. Latvia have landed in a fascinating Pool C alongside Ireland and defending Europe Cup champions Lithuania. The Baltic rivals have become increasingly familiar with each other on the biggest stages, and there is unfinished business on both sides.
Lithuania defeated Latvia in the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup 2025 Final to claim the continental crown, but Latvia turned the tables at the World Cup this year, eliminating their neighbors in the Quarter-Finals. Another meeting in Antwerp adds a new chapter to the rivalry. It will also provide an immediate indication of how well Latvia can adjust without Lasmanis and Lacis.
The stakes stretch beyond another piece of silverware. The men's FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup Crelan 2026 winners will also book places at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2027 and FIBA 3x3 Champions Cup 2027, making every game in the compact tournament especially valuable.
Latvia therefore arrive with confidence, but also with something new to prove. They have conquered the world, and their championship pedigree is unquestioned. Now Miezis, Raimo and a refreshed supporting cast have the chance to show they can do it again with a different combination.
Can the newly crowned world champions carry their winning form into Antwerp -- even without their World Cup MVP?
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