The UEFA Executive Committee has announced that the 2026 UEFA European Futsal Championship final tournament will be staged not only in Latvia and Lithuania, but also in Slovenia, thus resolving the issue of participation of Belarus national team in the competition. The tournament will take place from 20 January to 7 February 2026.
Under the revised hosting plan, Slovenia will stage two group-stage pools, while Latvia and Lithuania will each host one group, as well as one quarter-final match apiece. The semi-finals and final will be played in Slovenia.
Back on 2 December 2023, a joint bid by Latvia and Lithuania won the hosting rights for the tournament. This will mark the first time in history that a UEFA senior-level final tournament is held in Latvia—a milestone that also means Latvia’s national futsal team will make its debut in the European Championship finals.
“We are delighted to continue preparations for UEFA Futsal Euro 2026, which will be a historic event for our country,” said Vadims Ļašenko, President of the Latvian Football Federation (LFF). “We greatly value the cooperation with our partners and thank UEFA for their trust in Latvia and Lithuania, as well as for listening to us during these geopolitically challenging times.
Latvia will host Group A, featuring our national futsal team, at Arena Riga, including the opening match and one quarter-final. The Lithuanian Football Federation will organize the tournament draw, Group B matches with Lithuania’s participation, and a quarter-final in Kaunas. Slovenia will be placed in Group C, and Belarus will be assigned either to Group C or D to ensure all their games are held in Slovenia. The semi-finals and final will also be played in Slovenia.
This structure guarantees high organizational standards and offers futsal fans across Europe a thrilling tournament.”
Ļašenko emphasized the significance of the event for Latvia:
“This is a tremendous honor and responsibility, proving our country’s ability to host international sporting events. The opening match in Riga will be not only a sporting highlight but also an emotional moment for all futsal fans in Latvia. Fans will have the chance to support our team on home soil.
The Latvian Football Federation is committed to ensuring a flawless tournament in Riga, creating an unforgettable experience for players and spectators alike. We invite all Latvian sports enthusiasts to back our team and help create a festival atmosphere that will boost futsal’s popularity and national pride.”
Earlier this year, it was confirmed that Belarus had qualified for the final tournament. However, hosting matches involving the Belarusian national team in Latvia was deemed impossible due to both ethical and legal reasons – it is against the law to organise or participate in sports competitions with teams from Belarus or russia. The Latvian Football Federation has repeatedly stated—publicly and in communications with UEFA—that under current circumstances, athletes from Russia and Belarus cannot compete in Latvia. This position remains unchanged, grounded in both the federation’s principles and Latvian legislation prohibiting participation by athletes from these nations in events on Latvian soil.
Source: https://lff.lv/zinas/18357/2026-gada-eiropas-cempionats-telpu-futbola-latvija-bus/
