By Titas Teiten
As Edgaras Jankauskas unveiled his squad on Friday, the Lithuanian national team turns its attention to its first fixtures of the year. While results will inevitably matter, a broader question lingers: will this campaign mark a genuine departure from the struggles of 2025?
March’s friendlies against Moldova and Georgia may not carry competitive weight, but they could offer an early indication of the team’s identity ahead of a far more demanding calendar later in the year.
A need for tangible progress
Despite renewed ambitions for 2026, one requirement stands above all: improvement in results. The definition of “better” is, in this case, unambiguous. Lithuania failed to register a single victory throughout 2025. Draws against Malta and Israel, along with a respectable 2:3 home defeat to the Netherlands, offered moments of encouragement, but no wins.
In fact, Lithuania’s last triumph dates back to the summer of 2024, a 2:0 victory over Latvia in the Baltic Cup semi-finals.
The team’s style of play has not been devoid of promise. There have been visible ideas, structure, and commitment from the coaching staff. Yet in international football, performances alone rarely satisfy supporters. Without results, optimism remains fragile.
A run of 17 consecutive matches without a win inevitably raised questions over Jankauskas’ future. However, the absence of a clear alternative, and the Lithuanian Football Federation’s continued backing, means the former international remains in charge, at least until the end of his current contract later this year.
Squad continuity with fresh additions
Jankauskas’ selection for the March fixtures is largely in line with expectations, though it does introduce a couple of new faces.
Among them is 24-year-old left-back Žygimantas Baltrūnas of FK Sūduva Marijampolė, as well as 20-year-old midfielder Lukas Michelbrink, currently playing for FC Energie Cottbus. The latter, a graduate of the Hertha Berlin academy, has already represented Lithuania at U-19 and U-21 levels and brings an intriguing blend of technical development and international eligibility.
A particularly notable return is that of striker Armandas Kučys. Now back in action with NK Celje, he missed much of 2025 after suffering an ACL injury in a match against Finland. His comeback adds a much-needed attacking option.
There are, however, notable absences. Winger Artūr Dolžnikov of Sigma Olomouc has been left out, likely due to fitness concerns following a recent injury. His pace and directness represent a distinctive profile within the Lithuanian setup, making his absence a potentially significant one.
Two tests, two different challenges
Lithuania’s March schedule presents contrasting opponents.
On March 26, they travel to face Moldova, a side currently ranked 158th in the world. Like Lithuania, Moldova has struggled for results, with its last victory also dating back to 2024, a narrow win over Andorra in the Nations League. On paper, this is a fixture Lithuania will be expected to win.
Three days later, the challenge intensifies as Georgia visits. Ranked 73rd globally, Georgia has grown into an increasingly competitive side, highlighted by its participation in UEFA Euro 2024. Although they fell short in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers group, finishing behind Spain and Türkiye, their squad boasts significant quality.
At the forefront is Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, widely regarded as one of Europe’s most exciting wingers. He is supported by striker Georges Mikautadze of Villarreal CF and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili of Liverpool FC.
Yet Lithuania will take confidence from playing at the Darius and Girėnas Stadium in Kaunas. While Georgia enters as the stronger side, Lithuania may still view the match as an opportunity to secure a draw, or even produce an upset.
Building toward a crucial year
While friendlies carry limited competitive significance, their importance as preparation tools should not be underestimated. June will bring the Baltic Cup, a trophy Lithuania has not lifted since 2010, and one that holds considerable symbolic value.
Beyond that, attention will turn to the UEFA Nations League. For Lithuania, this competition represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Avoiding further disappointment, and securing promotion from a group featuring Liechtenstein and Azerbaijan, will be essential in reshaping the national team’s trajectory.
Ultimately, these March fixtures may not define Lithuania’s year, but they could very well set its tone.
