Lithuania head coach Edgaras Jankauskas has announced his squad for the upcoming 2026 Baltic Cup, with the selection featuring several fresh faces, returning veterans and notable changes compared to the squad called up for the March international window.
Lithuania will open their Baltic Cup campaign on June 6 in Kaunas against Latvia, while Estonia host the Faroe Islands in the other semifinal. The final and third-place matches will be played on June 9.
Compared to the squad selected in March, there are several important absences. First-choice goalkeepers Marius Adamonis and Edvinas Gertmonas are both missing from the current squad despite recently completing strong seasons abroad. Gertmonas in particular was recently named the best goalkeeper in Romania following his impressive campaign with Universitatea Cluj before yesterday officially sealing a move to Swiss side Servette.
In defence, Lithuania are also without experienced names such as Edvinas Girdvainis, Sigitas Olberkis and Pijus Širvys, who recently announced his departure from Slovenian side Maribor after two and a half seasons at the club.
Midfielders Paulius Golubickas, Giedrius Matulevičius, Gratas Sirgėdas and Deividas Šešplaukis have also dropped out of the squad, while forward Edgaras Dubickas is another player absent compared to the March selection.
Instead, Jankauskas has opted for a significantly refreshed group with several returning and first-time call-ups. Veteran winger Arvydas Novikovas returns to the national team after a lengthy absence, alongside goalkeeper Ignas Plūkas and midfielder Vaidas Magdušauskas.
The squad also includes several debutants and younger players rewarded for their recent form. Benfica goalkeeper Arnas Voitinovičius receives his first senior national team call-up, while FK TransINVEST midfielder Domantas Šluta also enters the squad after previously representing Lithuania at U21 level.
Toplyga form has clearly played a role in several selections. FK Banga forward Ignas Venckus has been rewarded after a strong domestic campaign, while FK TransINVEST defender Edvinas Kloniūnas is another newcomer following his performances in Lithuania’s top flight.
One of the biggest boosts for Lithuania is the inclusion of Slovenian champions Armandas Kučys and Artemijus Tutyškinas, both of whom recently lifted the title with Celje. Saudi Arabia-based defender Edgaras Utkus also remains in the squad together with captain Justas Lasickas.
Several younger players who debuted during the previous international window have retained their places as well, including Žygimantas Baltrūnas and Germany-based midfielder Lukas Michelbrink.
Lithuania squad for the Baltic Cup
Goalkeepers:
Ignas Plūkas (FK Sūduva)
Tomas Švedkauskas (FK Kauno Žalgiris)
Arnas Voitinovičius (Benfica, Portugal)
Defenders:
Vilius Armalas (MTK Budapest, Hungary)
Žygimantas Baltrūnas (FK Sūduva)
Edvinas Kloniūnas (FK TransINVEST)
Justas Lasickas (Rijeka, Croatia)
Rokas Lekiatas (FK Kauno Žalgiris)
Matijus Remeikis (FC Hegelmann)
Artemijus Tutyškinas (Celje, Slovenia)
Klaudijus Upstas (FK Žalgiris)
Edgaras Utkus (Al Kholood, Saudi Arabia)
Midfielders:
Gvidas Gineitis (Torino, Italy)
Eligijus Jankauskas (Hapoel Ironi Rishon, Israel)
Tomas Kalinauskas (Roda, Netherlands)
Vaidas Magdušauskas (FK Banga)
Lukas Michelbrink (Energie Cottbus, Germany)
Arvydas Novikovas (FK Riteriai)
Domantas Šluta (FK TransINVEST)
Modestas Vorobjovas (Istanbulspor, Turkey)
Forwards:
Motiejus Burba (FK Kauno Žalgiris)
Armandas Kučys (Celje, Slovenia)
Meinardas Mikulėnas (FK Sūduva)
Ignas Venckus (FK Banga)
Source: https://www.lff.lt/patvirtinta-vyru-rinktines-sudetis-siu-metu-baltijos-taurei/
