After years of failures, Latvian football is one step away from reaching the Europa Conference League group stage.
It was a summer night in Riga. The Latvian champions, Riga FC, hosted FC Copenhagen for a do or die match in the Europa League play-offs. They could have been in a better position after the first leg in Copenhagen, but a Mohamed Daramy goal in the 93rd minute gave the Danish side a 3-1 lead. In the return leg, Riga’s Felipe Brisola scored in the 75th minute, but it wasn't enough.
These play-off matches in the 2019-20 Europa League were the greatest achievement for a Latvian team for a decade. Now, Riga FC have another chance to save the future of Latvian football.
Old Memories
A long time has passed since the country’s only participation in the finals of a major tournament, Euro 2004. Latvia had a chance to reach the play-offs for the 2010 World Cup, but narrowly missed out after losing to Greece 5-2 in the decisive group match.
In the winter of 2009, Ventspils shocked BATE Borisov to reach the Champions League playoffs, ensuring a Europa League group stage spot in the process. They lost that match to FC Zürich, but the club’s run in the Europa League that season was one the most significant events in Latvian club football. Ventspils completed its historic participation with draws against Hertha Berlin, Heerenveen, and Sporting Lisbon.
But that is the closest that Latvian football has got to reaching the Champions League group stage. No Latvian clubs have managed to even reach the play-offs since. Since the 2013-14 season, Latvian teams have reached the third qualifying round of the Europa League three times.
The decline of Latvian football has been reflected in the national team. They failed to live up to their tremendous campaign in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers. In their attempt to qualify for Euro 2016, they won none of their ten matches. In Euro 2020 qualifying, they were placed in pot 6, alongside footballing minnows Liechtenstein, Andorra, Malta and San Marino.
But these weren’t the only bad moments for Latvian football in the past few years. In 2016, Latvia's greatest club, Skonto Riga, failed to obtain a license to play in the top division. The team that won the first fourteen Latvian championships, after the country gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991,has been dissolved following bankruptcy.
Last June, Ventspils also faced problems. UEFA banned the team from participating in continental club competitions for seven years, after they were accused of being involved in bribing a referee during a 2018 Europa League match. As team officials were also banned, Ventspils decided to withdraw from the league.
A Chance of a Lifetime
After the withdrawal of these two big sides, new clubs have emerged in Latvia. Riga FC are one of these clubs. Only founded in 2014, they’ve already been dominant in the league. They’ve won three consecutive championships, and are now aiming to make it through the group stage of the new Europa Conference League.
The Latvian side know they have the chance of a lifetime. After being knocked out in the Champions League qualifiers by Malmö, Riga FC defeated both North Macedonia’s Shkëndija, and Hibernians, from Malta. Their play-off opponents will be another team from a country that has barely played in the latter stages of a continental tournament before, Gibraltar's champions, Lincoln Red Imps.
Although it seems easy, Riga FC know it will be a challenge. In the previous round against Hibernians, they struggled to decide the match in 90 minutes. Three goals in extra time helped them to a 3-1 win, but it was something to pay attention to. The players are inexperienced in such matches. Some are part of the national team, but it's not sufficient preparation for a game that no Latvian club has taken part in since 2009.
Latvia are ranked in 40th place in the UEFA Country coefficients and, after 12 years without a team reaching the group stage of a major tournament, Riga FC can take an important step in the revival of Latvian football. Can they turn the luck of the draw, against one of the weakest teams left in the competition, into Latvia's finest footballing moment in years?
Futbols ir karalis!❤️⚽🇱🇻🔥🦁
— Riga FC (@RigaFC_Official) August 12, 2021
📸: Zigismunds Zālmanis, Riga FC pic.twitter.com/6UwsdokFQe
Photo via Riga FC official Twitter account.
Rukh Lviv is making a sensational campaign in the UEFA Youth League. A group of teenagers overcame the struggles, and now they are part of the best 16 youth teams in Europe.
Ukraine marked the year anniversary of the Russian invasion. Eden Roitfrab recaps the last year of Ukrainian football, which keeps playing during the ongoing war.
After nine years at Liverpool, Salah left for Trabzonspor — the money, the family, and the love of being the underdog all played their part.
Thousands of Argentina fans transformed Times Square before the 2026 World Cup final, all united to thank Lionel Messi.
Ayoub Bouaddi chose Morocco over France at 18 and lit up a quarter-final about colonial history, dual identity, and what it means to belong.
Crystal Palace beat Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig to win the Conference League in the most romantic underdog final in European football history.
Maccabi Tel Aviv edge Hapoel Be'er Sheva 2–1 in a dramatic Israeli Cup Final at Teddy Stadium, denying the champions a historic Double.
Ireland and other European FAs are joining efforts to push UEFA to suspend Israel over settlement clubs and racism allegations.
Erling Haaland’s hat-trick powered Norway past Israel 5–0, as protests and tension surrounded the World Cup qualifier in Oslo.
Israel coach Ran Ben Shimon dons a kippa and prays for hostages in an emotional Oslo press conference before facing Norway.
Ahead of Norway–Israel, FA president Lise Klaveness urges respect, transparency, and dialogue, discussing her efforts in bringing change that will see Israel banned from international football.
Tense atmosphere in Oslo ahead of Norway vs. Israel, with protests, politics, and a World Cup dream on the line.
As Israel visits Oslo for a key World Cup qualifier, Norway braces for protests, politics, and a tense weekend on and off the pitch. Uri Levy reports from Oslo.
Despite rising protests and political pressure, Israel’s suspension from UEFA remains improbable due to regulations and key leadership stances.
Despite growing calls amid the Gaza war, UEFA sources stress there’s no legal basis for suspending Israel at this stage.
Despite war, isolation and setbacks, Israeli footballers hit a record in transfers abroad during the summer 2025 window. A market analysis.
Beram Kayal reflects on a remarkable career from Maccabi Haifa to Celtic and Brighton, and his new mission to impact Arab football youth.
Palestinian striker Wessam Abou Ali overcame cardiac collapse and broken ribs to become Club World Cup star, attracting top European clubs.
At 37, Bibars Natcho delivers his best season yet. In a BabaGol interview, he opens up on legacy, Israel, Partizan, and what comes next.
A dramatic night in Tel Aviv saw Hapoel Be’er Sheva beat Beitar Jerusalem to win the Israeli Cup, in a final halted by a Red Alert siren.
Eran Zahavi scores twice in his farewell match as Maccabi Tel Aviv overpower Beitar Jerusalem to secure back-to-back championships.
On-loan striker Oday Dabbagh scores the winning penalty as Aberdeen defeat Celtic in a dramatic shootout, ending a 35-year Scottish Cup drought.
Egypt’s Mohamed Salah claims both Premier League and Football Writers' top honors after stellar season with 46 goal contributions.
Postecoglou led Tottenham to their first European title since 1984, silencing doubters and making history in Bilbao with a composed, proud triumph.
A dramatic night in the Israeli Premier League sets up a thrilling final-day title showdown between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Be’er Sheva.
Italian-Ivorian full-back Yao Eloge reflects on his journey, a historic derby goal, and his emotional goodbye to Hapoel Jerusalem.
Be’er Sheva’s 4-1 win and Tel Aviv’s 6-1 rout leave both tied on points and goal difference as Ligat Ha’al’s title drama heats up.
Israeli winger Manor Solomon tallied 13 goals and 10 assists to help Leeds United win the Championship and seal promotion.
Israeli championship hangs in balance as top teams draw 1-1 at Bloomfield Stadium. Three matches remain in closest Ligat Ha'al race in years
Kosovo national team made a long journey until the world recognized their right to play at the international level. Euro 2024 qualifiers can be an important step, as the team aims to play in the tournament for the first.