On March 21, 2025, the Lithuanian national team will embark on their journey in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Despite a disastrous UEFA Nations League campaign, losing every single match, and currently sitting at 142nd in the FIFA rankings, one of the lowest positions in the team’s history, the Lithuanian Football Federation has set an ambitious goal: securing second place in their group and potentially earning a historic spot at the world’s most prestigious football tournament. But how realistic is this dream?
2025 could mark a turning point for Edgaras Jankauskas and his squad. While Lithuania’s recent results have been discouraging, there is a strong argument that the team is in a better position than it appears. With a blend of young talent and experienced players, could Lithuania defy expectations and make a push for qualification? Let’s take a closer look.
A solid foundation in goal
Lithuania has little to worry about between the posts, as Edvinas Gertmonas remains the undisputed number one. The former FK Žalgiris shot-stopper has proven to be a reliable presence for the national team, and at 28 years old, he is expected to retain his role for years to come. Given the longevity of goalkeepers compared to outfield players, Lithuania can take comfort in having stability in this crucial position.
Defensive strength and potential
Both full-backs, Justas Lasickas and Pijus Širvys, have become essential figures in Lithuania’s starting eleven. At 27 and 26 years old, respectively, they are in their prime and playing key roles for their clubs. Širvys has been a standout for NK Maribor, who currently sit second in Slovenia’s top division, while Lasickas has been a vital part of league leaders Olimpija Ljubljana. His involvement in their UEFA Conference League campaign further underlines his quality. With their attacking capabilities, both players could be deployed as wing-backs, adding another dimension to Lithuania’s play.
In central defense, there are promising options. The standout name is Edgaras Utkus, a 24-year-old defender for Cercle Bruges. Although injuries and inconsistency have slowed his progress, he remains a key figure for Lithuania’s future. Having recently helped his club reach the Round of 16 in the Conference League, Utkus has proven himself at a high level. If he can take the next step in his development, he could become an even greater asset for the national team.
Alongside him, Kipras Kažukolovas is another exciting option. The 24-year-old had a breakout season with Astana, playing a crucial role in Kazakhstan’s league-winning defense. His standout performances in the Conference League, where he scored twice, along with a solid showing in the 3-1 loss to Chelsea, did not go unnoticed. These efforts earned him the title of the best defender in Kazakhstan’s league, a rare achievement for a Lithuanian player competing abroad.
Another rising talent is Artemijus Tutyškinas. After struggling for game time in Poland’s second division, he made a winter move to NK Celje in Slovenia, a club still competing in the Conference League and set to face Fiorentina in the quarter-finals. Since his arrival, Tutyškinas has exceeded expectations, proving his value not only for the present but also for Lithuania’s long-term future.
A midfield engine with star potential
The heart of Lithuania’s midfield is undoubtedly Gvidas Gineitis. The 20-year-old is enjoying the best season of his career in Serie A, one of the world’s toughest leagues. The Mažeikiai-born midfielder has accumulated nearly 1,000 minutes in Italy’s top flight, scoring his first career goals, including an equalizer against David De Gea’s Fiorentina and a match-winner against AC Milan. His performances confirm that Lithuania has a true star in the making, and at just 20, his future looks incredibly bright.
Another key figure is Paulius Golubickas. After a standout season in the A Lyga with FK Žalgiris Vilnius, the former Sūduva Marijampolė talent secured a move to Poland’s Ekstraklasa, joining Radomiak. Although injuries hindered the early years of his career, his talent is undeniable. While his playing time in Poland has been limited, Golubickas has the potential to be a major asset for Lithuania if he stays fit.
Beyond these two, Matijus Remeikis and Giedrius Matulevičius also deserve recognition. Remeikis is developing at Bulgarian side Botev Plovdiv, one of the country’s top-performing teams, while Matulevičius, arguably the best Lithuanian player in last season’s A Lyga, is hitting his peak at 28. His strong form adds further competition in midfield, giving Jankauskas a variety of options to build a solid core.
Attacking firepower and a goal machine up front
The biggest reason for optimism in Lithuania’s attack is Armandas Kučys. The striker suffered a three-month injury layoff in November, leaving fans worried about his form upon return. However, he has silenced all doubts, scoring eight goals and providing two assists in ten games since his comeback. His tally includes three goals in two matches against APOEL in the Conference League knockout rounds and a crucial strike that forced extra time against Lugano in the Round of 16. With six goals in the tournament, he currently sits second in the top scorer rankings, a remarkable feat for a Lithuanian forward. Given the national team’s struggles in front of goal, having a clinical finisher like Kučys is invaluable.
On the wings, two players have emerged as key assets: Artūr Dolžnikov and Matas Vareika. Dolžnikov is competing in the Czech first division with Sigma Olomouc, while Vareika recently moved abroad to join Armenian champions Pyunik FC. At 24 and 25 years old, respectively, they have plenty of time to further develop and become even more influential for the national team.
The road ahead: A turning point for Lithuania?
Despite their struggles in the UEFA Nations League, Lithuania might not be as weak as their results suggest. Since Edgaras Jankauskas took over, the team has shown signs of improvement, playing more attractive football even if the results have yet to reflect it. With a bit more luck, they could surprise their opponents.
The upcoming World Cup qualifiers will be a true test of Lithuania’s progress. Their campaign kicks off with two crucial matches: a tough opener against Poland on March 21, followed by a must-win clash against Finland on March 24. These games will provide a clearer picture of whether Lithuania can genuinely compete for qualification, or if another disappointing campaign awaits.
While finishing last or fourth in their group remains a strong possibility, what if 2025 is the year Lithuania finally defies the odds? The answers will start unfolding in just a few days.