Toplyga 2026 Preview: Will Kauno Žalgiris go back-to-back?

by Jānis Vītols

Tomorrow on 21 February, the 38th Lithuanian football championship since the restoration of independence will begin with a match at the Sportima Arena in Vilnius. It will also mark the first season in 25 years that the country’s top division will not be known as the A Lyga, having been rebranded as Toplyga. The name change is only one of several new elements surrounding the 2026 campaign. The central questions remain familiar. Can defending champions FK Kauno Žalgiris retain their title, or will rivals – most notably FK Žalgiris Vilnius with the new management – mount a decisive challenge or will someone else step up for the challenge? This season preview serves as an introduction to what lies ahead.

An Earlier Start Than Ever

The season opens on 21 February in Vilnius, where FK Žalgiris Vilnius host FC Džiugas Telšiai. Historically, this will be the earliest start to a Lithuanian top-flight season. Since the league moved away from the autumn–spring format in 1999 and began running from spring to late autumn, only once has the championship started this early: the 2018 season kicked off on 24 February. Until now, that had been the earliest opening date.

The earlier start is believed to be linked to clubs’ dissatisfaction with the congested calendar at the beginning of previous seasons. By starting earlier, the league aims to ease the overall schedule and reduce the number of midweek fixtures that have heavily impacted teams in recent years.

Ten clubs will compete in this year’s Toplyga. DFK Dainava Alytus have departed after finishing bottom last season and will play in Pirma Lyga. They are replaced by FK TransINVEST, who have strengthened with experienced domestic and foreign players and will look to avoid repeating their previous top-flight campaign, when they were relegated immediately after promotion.

Elsewhere, FK Sūduva have unveiled a new identity ahead of the season, including a new logo. The Marijampolė club has publicly stated its ambition to return to the heights of nearly a decade ago, when it won three consecutive league titles.

The Champions: FK Kauno Žalgiris

The preview begins with the defending champions. Under head coach Eivinas Černiauskas, FK Kauno Žalgiris secured their first Lithuanian championship in club history last season. They recently added another milestone by lifting their first Lithuanian Super Cup, defeating FK Panevėžys in the final.

The only goal in that match came from one of the club’s new signings, Latvian striker Dāvis Ikaunieks, who returns to Lithuanian football after spells in Brunei and with Latvian side RFS. The 32-year-old finished as the second-highest scorer in the 2023 Lithuanian championship with FA Šiauliai, scoring 18 goals. He now joins the champions as they seek a consistent central striker presence – something the club has pursued for some time.

Squad changes in Kaunas have been measured rather than sweeping. Among the players who featured most heavily last season, only two have departed: German full-back Haymenn Bah-Traore and Serbian striker Dejan Georgijević. Both played important roles in Černiauskas’ system, with Georgijević scoring 11 league goals. However, the club believes it has found quality replacements.

With Romualdas Jansonas having moved to Portugal last season and Georgijević now gone, a clear opening has emerged in attack. Ikaunieks is expected to fill that role, with Valdas Paulauskas available as an alternative.

On the right flank, the champions recruited from their main rivals, signing Joris Moutachy from FK Žalgiris Vilnius. The 28-year-old Martinique international enjoyed two strong seasons in Vilnius, winning the league title in 2024. He is not the only arrival from the capital. Motiejus Burba, a promising Lithuanian winger who earned a national team call-up and made his debut last autumn, has also made the same switch. In addition, 19-year-old goalkeeper Joris Aliukonis, developed in the Vilnius academy system but yet to debut for the first team there, joins Kauno Žalgiris as a long-term prospect and third-choice goalkeeper.

As the club prepares for UEFA Champions League qualification in the summer, further reinforcements have arrived. Beyond the departures of Georgijević and Bah-Traore, only Georgian winger Temur Chogadze – primarily used from the bench – could be considered a notable exit. Most other outgoing players had limited roles.

Incoming transfers include two players well known to Lithuanian football followers. Brazilian winger Leo Ribeiro arrives after two seasons as one of Hegelmann’s key players, helping them secure two consecutive league silver medals. Japanese defensive midfielder Yukiyoshi Karashima, who won the 2024 title with FK Žalgiris Vilnius alongside Moutachy, also joins the champions.

In recent days, Kauno Žalgiris confirmed the signing of 26-year-old Danish centre-back Luka Rakic. Unlike many of the other arrivals, Rakic has no previous connection to Lithuanian football. He made a handful of appearances for Brentford in the English Championship several years ago and most recently played in Denmark.

Preparation began in Lithuania before continuing in Turkey, where Kauno Žalgiris played a series of high-level friendlies. Notably, they recorded a victory over Dynamo Kyiv. In total, the club played four matches in Antalya, winning three and suffering a single defeat to Astana Zhenis.

The champions will open their league campaign on Sunday with a match against FK Riteriai.

Incoming transfers for FK Kauno Žalgiris

• Luka Račić (26, Denmark) – CB – from Rosenborg BK (NOR)
• Joris Aliukonis (19, Lithuania) – GK – from FK Žalgiris Vilnius (LIT)
• Motiejus Burba (22, Lithuania) – RW – from FK Žalgiris Vilnius (LIT)
• Joris Moutachy (28, Martinique) – RB – from FK Žalgiris Vilnius (LIT)
• Léo Ribeiro (31, Brazil) – RW – from FC Hegelmann (LIT)
• Yukiyoshi Karashima (28, Japan) – DM – from FC RFS (LVA)
• Dāvis Ikaunieks (32, Latvia) – CF – from FC RFS (LVA)
• Méry Traoré (21, Mali) – CF – from FK Nevėžis Kėdainiai (LIT)

Outgoing transfers for FK Kauno Žalgiris

• Dejan Kerkez (30, Serbia) – CB → HSK Posušje (BIH)
• Dejan Georgijević (32, Serbia) – CF → Al-Riffa SC (BHR)
• Vilius Armanavičius (30, Lithuania) – DM → FC Hegelmann (LIT)
• Temur Chogadze (27, Georgia) – RW → Bars Karakol (KGZ)
• Nidas Vosylius (20, Lithuania) – LM → FC Džiugas Telšiai (LIT)
• Ernestas Burdzilauskas (22, Lithuania) – CM → FK Panevėžys (LIT)
• Tomas Stelmokas (20, Lithuania) – CF → FC Džiugas Telšiai (LIT)
• Jurgis Mikšiūnas (20, Lithuania) – GK → FK Tauras Tauragė (LIT)
• Haymenn Bah-Traoré (28, Germany) – RB → Without Club
• Divine Naah (29, Ghana) – CM → Without Club
• Jair Tavares (24, Portugal) – LW → Without Club

Opening three matches for FK Kauno Žalgiris:

• 23 Feb 2026, 20:00 – vs FK Riteriai (Away) – Vilnius
• 28 Feb 2026, 14:15 – vs FK Banga Gargždai (Home) – Marijampolė
• 07 Mar 2026, 13:00 – vs FK Džiugas Telšiai (Away)

FC Hegelmann: Silver Years, New Reality

After two consecutive silver medals in the Lithuanian top flight, FC Hegelmann enter the new Toplyga season in a very different position. The Kaunas district club remain one of the most competitive sides in the country, but the transition between seasons has been significant, both on and off the pitch.

Last year Hegelmann played 36 league matches and recorded an average of 1.86 points per game, a figure that kept them firmly in the title conversation. The structure of the team was clear and stable. Key defenders such as Vilius Armalas and Klaudijus Upstas were ever-present, Domantas Antanavičius anchored midfield throughout the campaign, Patrick Popescu provided creativity, and Léo Ribeiro delivered from wide areas. Up front, Abdel Kader Njoya scored 15 goals while Rasheed Yusuf added five more. In goal, Vincentas Šarkauskas and Arijus Bražinskas shared responsibilities. That core has now been broken up.

Long-time head coach Andrius Skerla, who spent five years shaping the club’s rise and identity, has departed and become the new U-21 national team manager. His successor is Spanish specialist Mikel Aramburu Erneta, for whom this will be the first experience leading a team in a European top division. The coaching change alone marks a new chapter, but it is not the only shift.

There were reports during the winter that club president Anton Hegelmann was considering stepping away from the project. Although the club continues, it does so with a smaller budget than in recent seasons. Financial adjustment has coincided with substantial squad turnover.

Several pillars of the previous campaign have left. Armalas moved to MTK Budapest, Upstas joined FK Žalgiris Vilnius, Antanavičius signed for FK Sūduva, and both Šarkauskas and Bražinskas departed the goalkeeping department. Léo Ribeiro transferred to FK Kauno Žalgiris, while Nikola Đorić left for Serbia. Patrick Popescu and Rasheed Yusuf are no longer with the club. The departures affect every line of the team and remove much of the continuity that defined the last two silver-medal seasons.

Despite these exits and the adjusted budget, Hegelmann have not stood still. The arrival of Samuel Oum Gouet stands out immediately. The Cameroonian defensive midfielder, who featured for his national team at the most recent World Cup in Qatar, brings international experience to the centre of the pitch. Alongside him, Vilius Armanavičius returns to the club from FK Kauno Žalgiris to strengthen the holding midfield area.

The defensive rebuild includes Rimvydas Sadauskas, arriving from China, and Spanish centre-back Ángel Puerto. On the right side of defence, Vedad Radonja adds competition, while Lukas Paukštė comes in from FA Šiauliai to reshape the goalkeeping unit. In attack, Darrell Tibell arrives as a new central option following the exit of Yusuf as he and Abdel Kader Njoya will try to be the duo to share responsibility on attack.

The scale of change means Hegelmann will not begin the season as a continuation of last year’s side, but as a restructured project. Under Skerla, the team was defined by defensive organisation and clearly assigned roles. With Aramburu Erneta taking charge for the first time at this level, the tactical direction remains to be seen.

What remains is the memory of consistency. A points average of 1.86 across 36 matches does not disappear easily. The question is whether the new group can recreate that stability quickly enough to remain among the league’s strongest contenders.

After two years as runners-up, Hegelmann enter 2026 not as a settled challenger, but as a club adjusting to change. The ambition remains, but the path forward will be shaped by how effectively this new structure comes together once the season begins.

Incoming transfers for FC Hegelmann

• Vilius Armanavičius (30, Lithuania) – DM – from FK Kauno Žalgiris (LIT)
• Rimvydas Sadauskas (29, Lithuania) – CB – from Chongqing Tonglianglong (CHN)
• Ángel Puerto (23, Spain) – CB – from Dobrudzha Dobrich (BUL)
• Lukas Paukštė (27, Lithuania) – GK – from FA Šiauliai (LIT)
• Samuel Oum Gouet (28, Cameroon) – DM – from Without Club
• Vedad Radonja (24, Bosnia-Herzegovina) – RB – from Without Club
• Darrell Tibell (23, Sweden) – CF – from Without Club

Outgoing transfers for FC Hegelmann

• Domantas Antanavičius (27, Lithuania) – DM → FK Sūduva Marijampolė (LIT)
• Nikola Đorić (25, Serbia) – CB → FK Trayal Kruševac (SRB)
• Arijus Bražinskas (25, Lithuania) – GK → FK Panevėžys (LIT)
• Klaudijus Upstas (31, Lithuania) – RB → FK Žalgiris Vilnius (LIT)
• Léo Ribeiro (31, Brazil) – RW → FK Kauno Žalgiris (LIT)
• Vilius Armalas (25, Lithuania) – CB → MTK Budapest (HUN)
• Vincentas Šarkauskas (26, Lithuania) – GK → FK Žalgiris Vilnius (LIT)
• Yanis Azouazi (21, France) – AM → Without Club
• Patrick Popescu (29, Romania) – AM → Without Club
• Rasheed Yusuf (21, Nigeria) – CF → Without Club

Opening three matches for FC Hegelmann:

• 22 Feb 2026, 14:15 – vs FK Banga Gargždai (Home) – Marijampolė
• 28 Feb 2026, 19:00 – vs FK Džiugas Telšiai (Home) – Marijampolė
• 07 Mar 2026, 14:00 – vs FK Panevėžys (Away)

FK Žalgiris Vilnius: A Season of Reset After a Third-Place Finish

FK Žalgiris Vilnius begin the new Toplyga campaign from an unfamiliar position. Last season ended with the capital club finishing third in the league – a result that, by their standards, fell short.

The turning point came in August. Long-time head coach Vladimir Cheburin departed amid mounting tension and visible supporter frustration, particularly around the Lithuanian derby. Rolandas Džiaukštas was appointed as interim manager at that stage of the season. Results stabilised, performances improved, and the club hierarchy moved decisively. Džiaukštas was confirmed as permanent head coach, tasked with leading the next phase rather than merely repairing the previous one.

The changes did not stop on the pitch. Over the winter, entrepreneur Tadas Burgaila became the main shareholder of the club, signalling a new era in ownership. Shortly after, Giedrius Klevinskas was appointed sporting director, strengthening the club’s administrative structure ahead of a campaign framed around renewal.

Despite finishing third, Žalgiris Vilnius remain the financial benchmark in Lithuanian football. The club announced a budget of approximately €4 million for the upcoming season and confirmed that more than 3,000 season tickets had been sold before a ball was kicked. The institutional message has been consistent: last year’s finish is viewed as an exception, not a new reality.

The squad has undergone a significant overhaul. Several established figures departed, including Joris Moutachy and Motiejus Burba – both moving to FK Kauno Žalgiris – along with a number of defensive and midfield options who had featured regularly. The turnover reflects both sporting recalibration and a broader strategic reset.

Incoming transfers have focused on strengthening key areas without major transfer expenditure. Klaudijus Upstas arrives from FC Hegelmann to reinforce the defensive line. Romanian centre-back Grigore Turda joins from FK Sarajevo, while Georgian full-back Saba Mamatsashvili adds international experience. The return of Paulius Golubickas on a long-term deal stands out symbolically; the attacking midfielder is seen as a player capable of reconnecting the current project with one of the club’s more successful recent cycles when he was named the league MVP in 2024.

Additional arrivals include Deividas Šešplaukis, Marko Capan, Dariuš Stankevičius and Bryan Teixeira, alongside goalkeeper Vincentas Šarkauskas who will try to battle it out with Venezuelian goalkeeper Carlos Olses. Also one major returning player is the Toplyga record holder for most goals scored by a foreigner – Romanian forward Liviu Antal who returned to Vilnius club in the summer and while on loan was one of the reason’s why Žalgiris finished 3rd which allowed them to not miss out on European Football this summer.

Džiaukštas inherits a squad that looks markedly different from the one that began the previous season. The objective, however, has not shifted. In Vilnius, competing for the title is not presented as ambition but as obligation.

The broader context reinforces that expectation. With ownership restructured, a sporting director in place, and one of the largest budgets in the league, FK Žalgiris Vilnius approach 2026 with stability restored off the pitch and authority reasserted internally. After finishing third, this season is positioned as response.

Incoming transfers for FK Žalgiris Vilnius

• Deividas Šešplaukis (27, Lithuania) – RM – from FA Šiauliai (LIT)
• Klaudijus Upstas (31, Lithuania) – RB – from FC Hegelmann (LIT)
• Bryan Teixeira (25, Cape Verde) – CF – from LASK (AUT)
• Grigore Turda (28, Romania) – CB – from FK Sarajevo (BIH)
• Paulius Golubickas (26, Lithuania) – AM – from Radomiak Radom (POL)
• Marko Capan (21, Croatia) – DM – from HNK Hajduk Split (CRO)
• Saba Mamatsashvili (23, Georgia) – LB – from IK Sirius (SWE)
• Liviu Antal (36, Romania) – RW – from SCM Zalău (ROU)
• Vincentas Šarkauskas (26, Lithuania) – GK – from FC Hegelmann (LIT)
• Dariuš Stankevičius (21, Lithuania) – CM – from FK Sūduva Marijampolė (LIT)
• Nedas Klimavičius (20, Lithuania) – LW – from FK Žalgiris Vilnius B (LIT)
• Dominykas Čekavičius (17, Lithuania) – GK – from FK Žalgiris Vilnius B (LIT)

Outgoing transfers for FK Žalgiris Vilnius

• Joris Moutachy (28, Martinique) – RB → FK Kauno Žalgiris (LIT)
• Luka Dumancić (27, Croatia) – CB → PERSIS Solo (IDN)
• Motiejus Burba (22, Lithuania) – RW → FK Kauno Žalgiris (LIT)
• Joris Aliukonis (19, Lithuania) – GK → FK Kauno Žalgiris (LIT)
• Kassim Hadji (25, Comoros) – RM → Botev Vratsa (BUL)
• Ebenezer Ofori (30, Ghana) – DM → Mosul SC (IRQ)
• Machop Chol (27, Southern Sudan) – CF → Ansan Greeners (KOR)
• Árpád Tordai (28, Romania) – GK → UTA Arad (ROU)
• Adama Fofana (25, Côte d’Ivoire) – RW → Without Club
• Dino Salčinović (24, Sweden) – AM → Without Club
• Nelson Abiam (24, Nigeria) – CB → Without Club
• Bruno Tavares (23, Portugal) – LB → Without Club
• Vasilije Radenović (31, Montenegro) – CB → Without Club
• Younn Zahary (27, Comoros) – CB → Without Club
• Thomas Basila (26, France) – CB → Without Club
• Mohamed Youla (24, Sweden) – RB → Without Club

Opening three matches for FK Kauno Žalgiris:

• 21 Feb 2026, 14:15 – vs FK Džiugas Telšiai (Home) – Vilnius
• 27 Feb 2026, 20:00 – vs FK Panevėžys (Home) – Vilnius
• 07 Mar 2026, 18:00 – vs FA Šiauliai (Away)

FK Sūduva led by Mantinga Group looking to get back in Europe

FK Sūduva Marijampolė enter the 2026 Toplyga season continuing a project that is already in motion – but now with visibly increased ambition off the pitch as well.

In 2025, under Donatas Vencevičius, Sūduva finished fourth in the league. They missed out on European competition only because FK Panevėžys secured qualification through their Lithuanian Cup triumph. It was a competitive campaign built on structure and discipline, but one that ultimately left the club just outside the continental places.

Vencevičius remains in charge for 2026, providing coaching continuity. Around him, however, the club is evolving rapidly.

During the winter, Sūduva unveiled a new identity ahead of the new season. The rebrand was not cosmetic alone. The club’s new ownership group – led by Mantinga – has outlined a broader structural vision. Investment has already begun. The stadium will receive new VIP facilities, and the club has purchased a new 115-metre LED advertising system. The operating budget is set to double to approximately €1.6 million for the 2026 season.

There are also plans beyond football. The basketball club in Marijampolė will change its name so that all sporting projects operate under a single identity – a unified structure similar to the model seen in Kaunas.

On the pitch last season, Sūduva were defined by reliability. Ignas Plūkas was the main goalkeeper, while veteran 37-year-old Aleksandar Živanović played the most minutes for the team at the hearth of the defence. Markas Beneta, Henry Uzochukwu and Žygimantas Baltrūnas formed a consistent defensive line. In midfield, Steve Lawson and Kota Sakurai offered balance, while Sidy Sanokho and Amar Haïdara contributed attacking output. Nauris Petkevičius led the line with eight goals across 35 appearances.

That structure has now been reshaped. Petkevičius has departed for India. Dariuš Stankevičius has moved to FK Žalgiris Vilnius. Linas Zingertas and several loan players have also left. The fourth-place squad has been partially dismantled.

The arrivals reflect both ambition and recalibration. Domantas Antanavičius returns to his boyhood club strengthens defensive midfield after joining from FC Hegelmann. Faustas Steponavičius adds options up front. Ernestas Stočkūnas reinforces the defensive unit. Moutir Chajia brings experience on the wing. Loan additions Emmanuel Agbor and Ibrahima Seck increase attacking depth, while Sidy Sanokho remains part of the squad, ensuring continuity in advanced midfield roles.

The average age of arrivals remains under 25, suggesting a long-term focus rather than short-term solutions.

The financial increase changes expectations. With the budget doubling to €1.6 million, Sūduva are no longer operating purely as a stabilising project. The club’s golden era – three consecutive league titles between 2017 and 2019 – remains part of its identity. The new ownership appears intent on building foundations strong enough to compete again.

For 2026, the target will be clearer than last season: return to European qualification places. With increased investment, infrastructure upgrades and structural consolidation under the Mantinga-led leadership, Sūduva are positioning themselves as one of the more ambitious projects in Lithuanian football.

The manager provides continuity. The ownership provides momentum. The identity has been refreshed. The question now is whether the increased resources and renewed structure can translate into results on the pitch.

Incoming transfers for FK Sūduva

• Domantas Antanavičius (27, Lithuania) – DM – from FC Hegelmann (LIT)
• Faustas Steponavičius (21, Lithuania) – CF – from Botev Plovdiv (BUL)
• Ernestas Stočkūnas (27, Lithuania) – RB – from DFK Dainava Alytus (LIT)
• Moutir Chajia (27, Belgium) – RW – from Petrolul Ploiești (ROU)
• Sidy Sanokho (28, France) – AM – from FK BE1 Jonava (LIT)
• Emmanuel Agbor (22, Cameroon) – LW – from Miedź Legnica (POL) – Loan
• Ibrahima Seck (21, Senegal) – AM – from Raków Częstochowa (POL) – Loan

Outgoing transfers for FK Sūduva

• Linas Zingertas (24, Lithuania) – RW → FK Minija Kretinga (LIT)
• Nauris Petkevičius (25, Lithuania) – CF → Inter Kashi FC (IND)
• Dariuš Stankevičius (21, Lithuania) – CM → FK Žalgiris Vilnius (LIT)
• Tomas Gumbelevičius (20, Lithuania) – CB → FK BE1 Jonava (LIT) – Loan
• Amar Haïdara (22, Mauritania) – AM → FK Liepāja (LVA) – End of Loan (31/12/2025)
• Nojus Lukšys (21, Lithuania) – LW → FK Panevėžys (LIT) – End of Loan (31/12/2025)
• Idris Momoh (21, Nigeria) – RM → Miedź Legnica (POL) – End of Loan (31/12/2025)
• Sidy Sanokho (28, France) – AM → FK BE1 Jonava (LIT) – End of Loan (31/12/2025)
• Emmanuel Agbor (23, Cameroon) – LW → Miedź Legnica (POL) – End of Loan (31/12/2026)

Opening three matches for FK Sūduva:

• 22 Feb 2026, 13:00 – vs FK Panevėžys (Away) – Panevėžys
• 01 Mar 2026, 14:15 – vs FA Šiauliai (Home) – Marijampolė
• 07 Mar 2026, 14:15 – vs TransINVEST (Home) – Marijampolė

From one Latvian coach to another for Šiauliai

In 2025, Šiauliai finished fifth in the Toplyga table, collecting 52 points from 36 matches. They were competitive throughout the season, scoring 59 goals and maintaining a positive goal difference, but ultimately fell short of the European qualification places. The squad was built around consistency and attacking output, yet the winter has reshaped the project both on and off the pitch.

The most visible change came on the bench. Dainis Kazakevičs departed the club heading to work to Kygryzstan, and fellow Latvian Jurgis Pučinskis was appointed head coach ahead of the 2026 campaign.

Last season, Šiauliai’s strength lay in attacking productivity. Eligijus Jankauskas was one of the standout performers in the league, scoring 18 goals from the wing. Milan Djokić added 13 goals as the central striker. Daniel Romanovskij contributed five goals from midfield and was the top assist getter in the league, while Benny, whose contract has now been extended until 2026, offered balance and control in defensive midfield.

In defence, Vytas Gašpuitis and Martynas Dapkus were regular starters, while Marko Mandić provided consistency at right-back. Goalkeeper Gustas Baliutavičius played every league match, completing all 3,240 minutes of the campaign.

Šiauliai have lost significant attacking firepower. Jankauskas has moved to Israel, Djokić has departed, and several experienced figures – including Scotty Sadzoute, Vytas Gašpuitis, Nikita Komissarov and Deividas Šešplaukis – have left the club. That turnover removes a substantial portion of last season’s goals and experience.

The response has been proactive recruitment focused on youth and potential.

The headline arrival is Chidera Henry Nwoga, last season’s Pirma lyga Golden Boot winner. The Nigerian forward scored 28 goals in Lithuania’s second tier and arrives after helping TransINVEST secure promotion. He is expected to fill the central striker role vacated by Djokić.

Šiauliai have also strengthened the wings with Portuguese winger Rui Batalha, who brings international experience from Kazakhstan, and Serbian left-back Lazar Vuković, who adds defensive stability. Lithuanian youth international Brooklyn Leipus joins in attacking midfield, while several academy graduates – including Ugnius Vaitiekaitis and Edgaras Bierontas – have been promoted into the senior setup.

The defensive core will need restructuring after departures at the back, but there remains a foundation. Marko Mandić stays at right-back, Benny anchors midfield, and Baliutavičius remains a dependable presence in goal.

The key question for 2026 is whether the attacking transition can happen quickly enough. Replacing 31 league goals from Jankauskas and Djokić is not a simple task. Nwoga’s record suggests potential, but adapting from the second tier to Toplyga intensity will be decisive.

Šiauliai are not entering the season as title contenders. With Kauno Žalgiris, Hegelmann, Žalgiris Vilnius and Sūduva strengthening, the competition at the top remains demanding. For Šiauliai, progress may be measured in stability, squad integration and development of younger players under Pučinskis.

Incoming transfers for FA Šiauliai

• Chidera Nwoga (25, Nigeria) – CF – from FK TransINVEST (LIT)
• Brooklyn Leipus (18, Lithuania) – AM – from Swindon Supermarine FC (ENG)
• Rui Batalha (29, Portugal) – LW – from Zhenis Astana (KAZ)
• Patrikas Pranckus (19, Lithuania) – RB – from Baltijos Futbolo Akademija (LIT)
• Lazar Vuković (27, Serbia) – LB – from FK Radnik Bijeljina (BIH)
• Vilius Šivickas (20, Lithuania) – GK – from FK Jonava (LIT)
• Paulius Linkevičius (19, Lithuania) – GK – from FA Šiauliai B (LIT)
• Ugnius Vaitiekaitis (19, Lithuania) – AM – from FA Šiauliai B (LIT)
• Edgaras Bierontas (18, Lithuania) – CB – from FA Šiauliai B (LIT)

Outgoing transfers for FA Šiauliai

• Nikita Komissarov (25, Estonia) – AM → FK Minija Kretinga (LIT)
• Lukas Paukštė (27, Lithuania) – GK → FC Hegelmann (LIT)
• Scotty Sadzoute (27, Madagascar) – LB → FC Koper (SVN)
• Justas Petravičius (29, Lithuania) – RM → FK Tauras Tauragė (LIT)
• Deividas Šešplaukis (27, Lithuania) – RM → FK Žalgiris Vilnius (LIT)
• Dominykas Kubilinskas (27, Lithuania) – AM → FK Tauras Tauragė (LIT)
• Vytas Gašpuitis (31, Lithuania) – CB → Garudayaksa FC (IDN)
• Eligijus Jankauskas (27, Lithuania) – LW → Hapoel Rishon LeZion (ISR)
• Milan Đokić (28, Serbia) – CF → Without Club
• Yevgen Yefremov (31, Ukraine) – RB → Without Club

Opening three matches for FA Šiauliai:

• 22 Feb 2026, 17:00 – vs TransINVEST (Away) – Vilnius
• 01 Mar 2026, 14:15 – vs FK Sūduva Marijampolė (Away) – Marijampolė
• 07 Mar 2026, 18:00 – vs FK Žalgiris Vilnius (Home)

FK Panevėžys enter the 2026 Toplyga season with renewed ambition

While their 2025 league campaign ended in sixth place, the season cannot be judged on league position alone. Under German head coach Roland Vrabec, Panevėžys lifted the Lithuanian Cup, securing silverware and, crucially, a place in this summer’s UEFA Conference League qualifiers. That cup triumph reshaped the narrative of their year and ensured the club remains on the continental stage despite missing out through league placement.

The league form, however, exposed areas for improvement. Panevėžys scored 56 goals but conceded 49, and inconsistency prevented them from keeping pace with the top five. The squad often showed quality in flashes, yet defensive instability and dropped points against direct rivals ultimately cost them a higher finish.

The club has undergone adjustments in the dugout, while maintaining a core identity built on experience and structure. Club legend Ernestas Veliulis who has over 200 appearances for the club has signed a new deal. At the same time, veteran centre-back Linas Klimavičius has retired, closing an important chapter in Panevėžys’ defensive history, but he is still with the organisation changing the role from a player to coach.

Defensively, Milan Delević arrives from Estonian club Paide to strengthen central options following the departures of Abdoul Danté and Seydina Keita, both of whom were key defenders in the Cup run. Tunisian Rayen Mzoughi adds further depth at centre-back, while Joël Bopesu who returns to Lithuanian football provides championship pedigree at left-back. In goal, Arijus Bražinskas joins from Hegelmann, adding competition and security behind long-time number one Vytautas Černiauskas, who played every minute of the 2025 league season.

Midfield sees a notable loss in Lucas de Vega, who contributed eight league goals and was one of the team’s most creative forces. Replacing that influence will be central to Panevėžys’ success. The loan arrival of Ernestas Burdzilauskas adds fresh energy, while Isaac Asante and Salomon Kouadio remain key figures in driving the team forward from central areas.

Up front, the attacking unit has been reshaped. Ariagner Smith and Pavle Radunović have departed, prompting the arrivals of Luxembourg international Edvin Muratović and Ukrainian player Oleksandr Kurtsev, both of whom looked really good in the Super Cup match.

European football now adds a new dimension to their 2026 campaign. The Conference League qualifiers will test squad depth after the intensive start of the season and demand sharper consistency than last year’s league form demonstrated. However, the experience of lifting the Lithuanian Cup under Vrabec provides belief that this team can perform in high-pressure moments.

The objective for 2026 is clear: translate cup resilience into league stability. With European nights returning to Aukštaitija, Panevėžys are not merely rebuilding – they are aiming to re-establish themselves among Lithuania’s elite.

If defensive solidity improves and the new attacking options settle quickly, Panevėžys have the platform to climb the table and ensure that their return to Europe is not a one-off, but the beginning of another competitive cycle.

Incoming transfers for FK Panevežys

• Milan Delević (27, Serbia) – CB – from Paide Linnameeskond (EST)
• Oleksandr Kurtsev (23, Ukraine) – LW – from FK Džiugas Telšiai (LIT)
• Arijus Bražinskas (25, Lithuania) – GK – from FC Hegelmann (LIT)
• Edvin Muratović (28, Luxembourg) – CF – from Odra Opole (POL)
• Joël Bopesu (31, France) – LB – from FC Pyunik Yerevan (ARM)
• Jesse Adah (21, Netherlands) – RW – from FK BE1 Jonava (LIT)
• Job Okpanachi (23, Nigeria) – CF – from Rēzeknes FA (LVA)
• Ernestas Burdzilauskas (22, Lithuania) – CM – from FK Kauno Žalgiris (LIT) – Loan
• Rayen Mzoughi (25, Tunisia) – CB – from Without Club
• Nojus Lukšys (21, Lithuania) – LW – from FK Sūduva Marijampolė (LIT)

Outgoing transfers for FK Panevežys

• Lucas de Vega (26, Brazil) – CM → FC Botoșani (ROU)
• Andriy Karvatskyi (28, Ukraine) – LB → Talant Besh-Küngöy (KGZ)
• Seydina Keita (33, Senegal) – CB → FK Gabala (AZE)
• Nojus Lukšys (21, Lithuania) – LW → FK Neptūnas Klaipėda (LIT) – Loan
• Daniel Bukel (22, Lithuania) – GK → FK Neptūnas Klaipėda (LIT) – Loan
• Linas Klimavičius (36, Lithuania) – CB → Retired
• Ariagner Smith (27, Nicaragua) – CF → Without Club
• Abdoul Karim Danté (27, Mali) – CB → Without Club
• Domantas Vaičekauskas (22, Lithuania) – DM → Without Club
• Faustas Steponavičius (21, Lithuania) – CF → Botev Plovdiv (BUL) – End of Loan

Opening three matches for FK Panevežys:

• 22 Feb 2026, 13:00 – vs FK Sūduva Marijampolė (Home) – Panevėžys
• 27 Feb 2026, 20:00 – vs FK Žalgiris Vilnius (Away) – Vilnius
• 07 Mar 2026, 14:00 – vs FC Hegelmann (Home)

FC Džiugas looking to be much better at home in 2026

FC Džiugas Telšiai enter the 2026 Toplyga campaign after resolving early off-field uncertainty. The club was initially denied a licence but successfully appealed the decision and was ultimately green-lighted to compete, ensuring continuity in Lithuania’s top division. Stability has also been maintained on the bench, with head coach Andrius Lipskis confirmed for a third consecutive season in charge.

In 2025, Džiugas finished 7th in the 10-team Toplyga, collecting 46 points from 36 matches (13 wins, 7 draws, 16 defeats). They scored 37 goals and conceded 45. Their season was defined by a striking contrast between home and away form: just three wins at home all year, but ten victories on the road – one of the stronger away records in the league. That away consistency ensured they avoided the relegation playoff zone comfortably.

The winter brought significant squad turnover. Top scorer Oleksandr Kurtsev (11 league goals) departed for FK Panevėžys. David Martin Anane moved to Kazakhstan, while Simonas Urbys joined Pirma Lyga club FK Neptūnas Klaipėda. Midfield leader Karolis Šilkaitis also left, alongside experienced left-back Dejan Trajkovski and attacking midfielder Hirotaka Yamada, who signed for FK Grobiņa. Collectively, these departures remove a large portion of last season’s goals, minutes and experience.

In response, Džiugas have reshaped the squad. Denis Ževžikovas arrives from DFK Dainava Alytus to strengthen central midfield. Centre-back Josh Okpolokpo joins from SJK Seinäjoki, while Nidas Vosylius and striker Tomas Stelmokas come in from FK Kauno Žalgiris, with Stelmokas arriving on loan.

One key attacking figure already at the club is Ronald Sobowale. The forward joined midway through the 2025 season and quickly became one of the most noticeable players in the squad, scoring five league goals despite arriving during the campaign. His physical presence and direct style added a focal point to Džiugas’ attack, and with Kurtsev now gone, Sobowale is expected to shoulder a greater share of the scoring responsibility in 2026.

Defensively, new partnerships will need to settle quickly following departures at the back, particularly given the 45 goals conceded last season. In midfield, responsibility increases on returning players such as Vilius Piliukaitis and Lukas Ankudinovas, alongside the new arrivals, to replace the balance previously provided by Šilkaitis.

With licensing issues resolved and coaching continuity secured, Džiugas approach 2026 in a transitional phase. The primary objective will be consolidation in the Toplyga and avoiding involvement in the relegation battle. If the new signings integrate smoothly and Sobowale can lead the line effectively, another mid-table finish is achievable; if not, the margins in the league are tight enough to make the season a challenging one.

Incoming transfers for FC Džiugas Telšiai

• Brendan Ifeanyi Asomugha (20, Nigeria) – CB – from FK Sveikata (LIT)
• Nikita Pavlovskij (19, Lithuania) – CM – from FK BE1 Jonava (LIT)
• Vladyslav Ryabenko (22, Ukraine) – GK – from FC Trostyanets (UKR)
• Josh Okpolokpo (22, Ireland) – CB – from SJK Seinäjoki (FIN)
• Pedro Bahia (24, Brazil) – RW – from FK Babrungas Plungė (LIT)
• Džiugas Aleksa (21, Lithuania) – RB – from FK Žalgiris Vilnius B (LIT)
• Denis Ževžikovas (21, Lithuania) – CM – from DFK Dainava Alytus (LIT)
• Nidas Vosylius (20, Lithuania) – LM – from FK Kauno Žalgiris (LIT)
• Tomas Stelmokas (20, Lithuania) – CF – from FK Kauno Žalgiris (LIT) – Loan
• Vykintas Gaudiešius (19, Lithuania) – GK – from FK Minija Kretinga (LIT)

Outgoing transfers for FC Džiugas Telšiai

• Hirotaka Yamada (26, Japan) – AM → FK Grobiņa (LVA)
• Vykintas Gaudiešius (19, Lithuania) – GK → FK Minija Kretinga (LIT)
• Dejan Trajkovski (33, Slovenia) – LB → KF Prishtina e Re (KOS)
• David Anane Martin (24, Ghana) – RW → FC Ulytau Zhezkazgan (KAZ)
• Karolis Šilkaitis (29, Lithuania) – DM → Asiagoal Bishkek (KGZ)
• Martynas Vasiliauskas (28, Lithuania) – AM → FK Atmosfera Mažeikiai (LIT)
• Simonas Urbys (30, Lithuania) – SS → FK Neptūnas Klaipėda (LIT)
• Oleksandr Kurtsev (23, Ukraine) – LW → FK Panevėžys (LIT)
• Danylo Ryabenko (27, Ukraine) – GK → Without Club
• Aram Baghdasaryan (19, Armenia) – CF → Without Club
• Miroslav Pushkarov (30, Bulgaria) – CB → Without Club

Opening three matches for FC Džiugas Telšiai:

• 21 Feb 2026, 14:15 – vs FK Žalgiris Vilnius (Away) – Vilnius
• 28 Feb 2026, 19:00 – vs FC Hegelmann (Away) – Marijampolė
• 07 Mar 2026, 13:00 – vs FK Kauno Žalgiris (Home)

Banga: a squad in transition after European return

FK Banga Gargždai head into the 2026 Toplyga season in the midst of a clear squad transition. After a relatively stable and historic 2025 campaign where they made their European return after more than 10 years, this winter has brought significant movement both in terms of leadership and key on-field contributors.

The most notable departure is goalkeeper Mantas Bertašius, who joined FK TransINVEST after being widely recognised as one of the standout goalkeepers in the league last season. His consistency, shot-stopping and command of the area were central to Banga’s defensive organisation. Replacing that reliability will be one of the primary challenges for 2026. Centre-back Akpe Victory earned a move to Hungarian side Zalaegerszegi TE FC, while club captain Matas Ramanauskas signed for FK Panevėžys. Losing both a starting defender and the team captain represents a major structural shift within the squad.

In attack, Banga also saw important exits. Aivars Emsis moved to Gżira United FC, Sherwin Seedorf departed for Al-Wehdat SC. With multiple forwards and wide players gone, the responsibility for goals now shifts more heavily onto the remaining core.

The club has responded decisively in the transfer market. Uktainian Volodymyr Krynskyi arrives from DFK Dainava Alytus to strengthen the goalkeeping position and is expected to compete immediately for the starting role. In defence, Ricardo Henning adds central depth, while Aleksandr Levšin and Cadu reinforce the left-back position. Out wide, Kofi Fosuhene Asare joins from FC Inter Turku and Misaki Sato arrives from South Korean league, both offering directness and attacking width. Umaro Candé provides another option on the flanks, giving Banga more variability in wide areas compared to last season.

Despite the changes, several key players remain. Ignas Venckus who was the team’s top scorer in the league with 8 goals continues as one of the main attacking threats and will likely be central to Banga’s offensive structure. Aaron Olugbogi offers creativity between the lines, while Vaidas Magdušauskas and Rokas Filipavičius provide additional midfield support. At the back, Deividas Malžinskas is expected to take on increased responsibility following Victory’s departure.

Preparation for the campaign included a winter training camp in Cyprus, where the squad focused on conditioning and tactical work. With a large number of new faces, that period was important in building chemistry and establishing the framework for the upcoming season.

The overarching theme for Banga in 2026 is recalibration. The departure of their starting goalkeeper, captain and multiple attacking options removes proven stability, but the club has reshaped the squad with a mix of domestic and foreign reinforcements. Much will depend on how quickly the new defensive unit settles and whether the restructured attack can provide consistent output.

Incoming transfers for FK Banga Gargždai

• Kofi Fosuhene Asare (23, Sweden) – LW – from FC Inter Turku (FIN)
• Misaki Sato (27, Japan) – LW – from Chungnam Asan (KOR)
• Volodymyr Krynskyi (28, Ukraine) – GK – from DFK Dainava Alytus (LIT)
• Aleksandr Levšin (26, Lithuania) – LB – from Baltijos Futbolo Akademija (LIT)
• Cadu (21, Brazil) – LB – from Chapecoense U20 (BRA)
• Ricardo Henning (25, Germany) – CB – from NK Vukovar 1991 (CRO)
• Umaro Candé (21, Guinea-Bissau) – RW – from Without Club

Outgoing transfers for FK Banga Gargždai

• Aivars Emsis (27, Latvia) – CF → Gżira United FC (MLT)
• Sherwin Seedorf (27, Netherlands) – LW → Al-Wehdat SC (JOR)
• Pijus Srėbalius (23, Lithuania) – CF → FM Ataka Vilnius (LIT)
• Mantas Bertašius (25, Lithuania) – GK → FK TransINVEST (LIT)
• Akpe Victory (19, Nigeria) – CB → Zalaegerszegi TE FC (HUN)
• Anderson Cordeiro (27, Brazil) – LW → Manaus FC (BRA)
• Karolis Toleikis (21, Lithuania) – CM → Without Club
• Hugo Figueredo (33, Brazil) – LB → Without Club
• Latón (27, Portugal) – DM → Without Club

Opening three matches for FK Banga Gargždai:

• 22 Feb 2026, 14:15 – vs FC Hegelmann (Away) – Marijampolė
• 28 Feb 2026, 14:15 – vs FK Kauno Žalgiris (Away) – Marijampolė
• 08 Mar 2026, 14:15 – vs FK Riteriai (Home) – Gargždai

Riteriai: new ownership, same fight

FK Riteriai enter the 2026 Toplyga season in what can only be described as a new era for the club (again!). After months of instability, ownership changes and sporting struggles, Riteriai secured their top-flight place by defeating FK Neptūnas Klaipėda in the decisive playoff match, ensuring they remain in the division for 2026.

The offseason has been shaped as much by boardroom developments as by football matters. The club underwent a partial sale, marking the beginning of a restructuring phase aimed at stabilising finances and long-term direction. Questions remain about the sustainability of previous resets, but there is clear acknowledgement internally that another rebuild was necessary.

On the pitch, turnover has again been significant. Starting goalkeeper Antonio Tuta have left, while several defensive options – including Karolis Šutovičius, Kajus Stankevičius, Matas Dedura and Arthur Pierino – left the club. In midfield, players who played big minutes such as Charles Acolatse, Rokas Stanulevičius and Marko Karamarko moved on. In attack, Leif Estevez Fernandez and Denilson also exited, removing regular starters from last season’s frontline.

Riteriai have responded with targeted additions. 37-year-old Egidijus Vaitkūnas arrives from FK Tauras Tauragė, bringing veteran experience at left-back and will probably reach 400 matches in the Lithuanian top-flight. Artem Baftalovskyi strengthens the wing after joining from DFK Dainava Alytus. Italian goalkeeper Simone Moschin who has had experience in Lithuanian football previously has been signed to reinforce the last line following Tuta’s departure, while one of the players from the new ownership project Slevin Krom adds depth in defensive midfield. Several players have also been promoted from Riteriai B, underlining a continued reliance on youth development.

Despite the instability, Riteriai retain a core group capable of competing. Meinardas Mikulėnas was one of the team’s most productive attackers last season and remains central to their forward line. Andrius Kaulinis and Jonas Usavičius provide width, while Simas Civilka and Deimantas Rimpa are important in midfield. Defensively, Nojus Stankevičius and Milanas Rutkovskis are among the younger players expected to take on larger roles.

The defining theme of Riteriai’s 2026 outlook is reset. Survival was secured only through the playoff route, and the club’s structural changes suggest a longer-term rebuilding process rather than immediate ambition. Stability – both organisationally and tactically – will be the priority.

With new ownership influence, a reshaped squad and several academy players stepping up, Riteriai enter the season seeking consistency after a turbulent period. Whether this reset proves more durable than previous attempts will likely determine if the club can move away from the relegation fight or once again find itself battling for survival in the Toplyga.

Incoming transfers for FK Riteriai

• Egidijus Vaitkūnas (37, Lithuania) – LB – from FK Tauras Tauragė (LIT)
• Artem Baftalovskyi (30, Ukraine) – RW – from DFK Dainava Alytus (LIT)
• Slevin Krom (18, Netherlands) – DM – from Unknown
• Simone Moschin (29, Italy) – GK – from Without Club
• Dominykas Gelombickas (17, Lithuania) – MF – from FK Riteriai B (LIT)
• Vakaris Gurkšnys (18, Lithuania) – MF – from FK Riteriai B (LIT)
• Daumantas Lipinskas (20, Lithuania) – MF – from FK Riteriai B (LIT)

Outgoing transfers for FK Riteriai

• Antonio Tuta (30, Croatia) – GK → Naft Missan (IRQ)
• Karolis Šutovičius (19, Lithuania) – CB → FK Jonava (LIT)
• Kajus Stankevičius (23, Lithuania) – CB → AC Tuttocuoio (ITA)
• Matas Dedura (23, Lithuania) – CB → FK BE1 Jonava (LIT)
• Charles Acolatse (30, Togo) – DM → Rabotnicki Skopje (MKD)
• Arthur Pierino (25, Brazil) – CB → CR Aquidauana (BRA)
• Rokas Stanulevičius (31, Lithuania) – DM → Without Club
• Marko Karamarko (32, Germany) – DM → Without Club
• Leif Estevez Fernandez (28, Germany) – RW → Without Club
• Denilson (25, Brazil) – CF → Without Club

Opening three matches for FK Riteriai:

• 23 Feb 2026, 20:00 – vs FK Kauno Žalgiris (Home) – Vilnius
• 01 Mar 2026, 17:00 – vs TransINVEST (Away) – Vilnius
• 08 Mar 2026, 14:15 – vs FK Banga Gargždai (Away) – Gargždai

TransINVEST: stronger than during their previous Toplyga spell

FK TransINVEST are back in the Toplyga after winning the Pirma Lyga title and sealing promotion, continuing what has been a remarkably fast rise since the club’s founding in 2021. Based in Galinė in the Vilnius District, TransINVEST have moved quickly through the Lithuanian football pyramid and now face a familiar question: can they establish themselves in the top flight for more than a single season?

Their previous spell in the Toplyga showed both ambition and vulnerability. The club has already lifted the Lithuanian Cup and played in Europe despite its short history, but relegation served as a reminder that building for the long term requires more than momentum. This time, the squad construction feels more deliberate.

The signing of Mantas Bertašius from FK Banga Gargždai is a clear statement. After a standout season in goal, he arrives as a proven top-flight No.1 and gives TransINVEST immediate stability between the posts. In front of him, Edvinas Girdvainis adds experience and international quality. The Lithuanian national team defender, who scored against the Netherlands in September, joins from FK Liepāja and brings leadership as well as a threat from set pieces.

Further forward, Stefan Milošević is another high-profile addition. The Montenegrin striker was the top scorer for Riga FC in Latvia a few years ago and arrives with a reputation for consistent goal output at Baltic level. Haitian Jeudi Stevenson, signed from FK Auda, also strengthens the attacking options.

There have been departures. Chidera Nwoga, a key scorer during the promotion campaign, moved to FA Šiauliai, and several other squad players left as the club reshaped its core. Veteran midfielder Linas Pilibaitis also retired, closing a chapter in the club’s rapid ascent.

Head coach Marius Stankevičius now has a squad that looks stronger and more balanced than during the club’s previous Toplyga appearance. The spine of Bertašius, Girdvainis and Milošević gives TransINVEST experience at both ends of the pitch, while the supporting cast offers depth and competition.

The message ahead of 2026 is clear. TransINVEST are not returning just to survive. If the new group settles quickly and performs to expectation, they have the potential to push into the upper half of the table and establish themselves as a serious presence in the Toplyga rather than a temporary visitor.

Incoming transfers for FK TransINVEST

• Edvinas Girdvainis (32, Lithuania) – CB – from FK Liepāja (LVA)
• Stefan Milošević (29, Montenegro) – CF – from Without Club
• Domantas Šluta (21, Lithuania) – CM – from FK BE1 Jonava (LIT)
• Jeudi Stevenson (21, Haiti) – CF – from FK Auda (LVA)
• Marco Túlio (27, Brazil) – CM – from Hapoel Acre (ISR)
• Mantas Bertašius (25, Lithuania) – GK – from FK Banga Gargždai (LIT)
• Nojus Petkus (18, Lithuania) – CM – from FK TransINVEST B (LIT)
• Koffi (24, Ghana) – LB – from Without Club
• Iker Bilbao (29, Spain) – CM – from Without Club
• Mykola Musolitin (26, Ukraine) – RW – from Without Club

Outgoing transfers for FK TransINVEST

• Chidera Nwoga (25, Nigeria) – CF → FA Šiauliai (LIT)
• Ernest Černiavskij (24, Lithuania) – GK → FM Ataka Vilnius (LIT)
• Arvydas Novikovas (34, Lithuania) – RW → Baltijos Futbolo Akademija (LIT)
• Cesinha (27, Brazil) – RW → FK Smederevo 1924 (SRB)
• Dilonas Matuškevičius (19, Lithuania) – GK → FK Neptūnas Klaipėda (LIT)
• Artem Fedorov (27, Ukraine) – LW → Without Club
• Arminas Čivilis (27, Lithuania) – CB → Without Club
• Giedrius Onuškevičius (20, Lithuania) – ST → FK TransINVEST B (LIT)
• Kenneth Ikugar (25, Nigeria) – CF → Without Club
• Linas Pilibaitis (40, Lithuania) – CM → Retired

Opening three matches for FK TransINVEST:

• 22 Feb 2026, 17:00 – vs FA Šiauliai (Home) – Vilnius
• 01 Mar 2026, 17:00 – vs FK Riteriai (Home) – Vilnius
• 07 Mar 2026, 14:15 – vs FK Sūduva (Away) – Marijampolė

Baltic Football News team season prediction:

• 1st – FK Kauno Žalgiris
• 2nd – FK Žalgiris Vilnius
• 3rd – FK Panevežys
• 4th – FK Sūduva
• 5th – FC Hegelmann
• 6th – FK TransINVEST
• 7th – FA Šiauliai
• 8th – FK Banga Gargždai
• 9th – FC Džiugas Telšiai
• 10th – FK Riteriai