Latvian National team currently holds 136 position in the FIFA ranking and plays in UEFA Nations League C. In 2024 edition it will face Armenia, Faroe Islands and North Macedonia to compete for the place in League B. National team is coached by Italian manager Paolo Nicolato. For Nicolato, who is 57 years old, it is the first experience with a senior National Team. He previously led Italian U-21 national team. Nicolato was appointed in February 2024, after the dismissal of the previous coach, Latvian specialist Dainis Kazakevičs, who managed Latvia from 2020.
Latvia plays its home matches at Skonto stadium in Riga. Stadium has 6747 seats (3rd category stadium, according to UEFA criteria). Stadium witnessed most of Latvian football success stories since Baltic nation regained its independence in 1991, including historical win over Turkey in 2003, which opened the way to UEFA EURO 2004 in Portugal, where Latvia managed to get a draw against Germany. This success is still, by far, is the highest point for Latvian football in its history.
Back in 2009, after another successful qualification cycle, finishing 3rd in the group in the race for a place at 2010 FIFA World Cup, Latvia reached its highest place in the FIFA ranking – 45th. Lowest point was in 2017 – 148th spot.
Vitalijs Astafjevs, former Skonto and Bristol Rovers midfielder, has the highest number of appearances for the National team with 167 matches and 16 goals. Best goal scorer – Māris Verpakovskis, who did score 29 times in 104 fixtures. Currently he is CEO of the Virsliga champion – FC RFS.
Tickets for National team home and away matches are available on the Latvian Football Federation’s website. Prices vary depending on the match. Standard price for the category one home match ticket is in 20-30 EUR range.
