Latvia retain place in Nations League and become Armenia’s group rival

The Latvia national team has officially become the fourth participant in UEFA Nations League 2026/27 Group C2, where they will face Armenia, Montenegro, and Cyprus. The Baltic side secured their place after a tense playoff against Gibraltar.

The two-legged tie ended with a 2–0 aggregate victory for Latvia, with both matches finishing 1–0. The decisive win came in the return leg in Riga, where the hosts scored in stoppage time.

Despite being favorites, Latvia started cautiously. Gibraltar threatened on counterattacks, forcing goalkeeper Rihards Matrevics into several key saves. Gradually, the hosts took control, creating chances mainly from set pieces.

Before halftime, Latvia nearly scored: Roberts Veips found the net, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review for handball. The first half ended goalless.

Tension grew in the second half, as a single goal from Gibraltar would have leveled the aggregate score. Seeking attacking reinforcement, Nicolato introduced Vladislavs Gutkovskis and Dario Sits, which energized the home side.

The breakthrough came in stoppage time. After a rapid run by Savalnieks, captain Antonijs Černomordijs was in the right place to score the winner — 1:0.

This victory allows Latvia to remain in Nations League C and continue competing at a higher level. Next comes a new challenge — clashes with Montenegro, Armenia, and Cyprus in the group stage starting in September 2026.

It is worth noting that in the previous Nations League edition, Latvia was already grouped with Armenia and lost both encounters.