Riga, Latvia β The Latvian national ice hockey team faces a must-win game against Hungary on May 26, 2026, at the IIHF World Championship in Zurich, Switzerland. Captain Rudolfs Balcers acknowledged the pressure, stating the team is 'backed against the wall' after a series of losses.
According to the IIHF, Latvia currently sits in fifth place in Group B with 3 points from 5 games, following defeats to Sweden (5-2), Slovakia (4-1), and the United States (6-0). A win against Hungary is essential to avoid relegation to Division I-A.
Balcers, who plays for the Florida Panthers in the NHL, has 2 goals and 1 assist in the tournament. He emphasized the team's focus on the upcoming match, saying, 'We know what's at stake. We have to give everything.'
Hungary, winless in the tournament with 0 points, is also fighting to stay in the top division. The game is scheduled for 20:20 local time at the Swiss Life Arena.
The Latvian Ice Hockey Federation has called for fan support, noting that a victory would keep their World Championship status alive for another year.
