RIGA – The Latvian women’s national basketball team will be without a key contributor in upcoming EuroBasket 2027 qualifying games, as Anete Šteinberga is unavailable due to her recent move to play professionally in Mexico. The news presents a challenge for head coach Matīss Rožlapa as his team prepares for a crucial stretch of games in March.
Šteinberga, who hails from Ikšķile, was a significant part of Latvia’s recent success, contributing nine points in their 89-47 victory over Estonia on November 18, 2025, a result that completed a positive first round of qualifying with two wins in three games. The team had previously defeated the Netherlands 89-62 in front of a home crowd. Latvia, Slovenia, and the Netherlands currently share two wins apiece in Group B, while Estonia has yet to secure a victory.
The Latvian Basketball Association announced on March 4, 2026, that Šteinberga would not be available for selection. The team is now preparing to face Slovenia on March 11th in Riga at the Komandu Sporta Spēļu hallē. Following the home game, Latvia will travel for away matches against the Netherlands on March 14th in Almere and Estonia on March 17th in Tallinn.
Coach Rožlapa has named a 17-player candidate roster for these upcoming games. The selected players are Madara Šmite, Paula Strautmane, Ketija Vihmane, Elizabete Bulāne, Aleksa Gulbe, Marta Miščenko, Ieva Pulvere, Anna Liepiņa, Laura Meldere, Vanesa Jasa, Enija Ķīvīte, Līna Loceniece, Kitija Laksa, Kate Vilka, Katrīna Ozola, Digna Strautmane, and Enija Vīksne. The absence of Šteinberga will undoubtedly impact the team’s dynamics, but Rožlapa has assembled a squad capable of competing for a spot in the next qualifying round.
The stakes are high as only the top two teams in Group B, along with three of the seven best third-place finishers, will advance to the second round of EuroBasket 2027 qualification. Latvia’s performance in these upcoming games will be critical to their chances of reaching the championship.
Rožlapa acknowledged the challenges ahead, noting that Aleksa Gulbe will be unavailable for the start of training camp due to commitments in the French championship, while Kate Vilka and Anna Liepiņa are competing in the Lithuanian Cup. The coach also welcomed the return of center Marta Miščenko to the national team after a two-year absence, adding much-needed depth to the frontcourt.
The team began training on Saturday, though not with the full roster immediately available. Despite the logistical hurdles and the absence of a key player, the Latvian team remains focused on achieving success in the EuroBasket 2027 qualifying campaign. The upcoming matches against Slovenia, the Netherlands, and Estonia will be a true test of their resilience and determination.
For fans eager to follow the action, the game against Slovenia on March 11th will be played in Riga, offering a chance to support the national team on home soil. The away games in the Netherlands and Estonia will provide further challenges as Latvia seeks to secure its place in the next stage of qualification. The team’s progress and results will be closely watched by basketball enthusiasts across Latvia and beyond.
The Latvian women’s national team has demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence, and despite the setback of losing a key player like Šteinberga, they remain a competitive force in European basketball. The upcoming matches will be a crucial opportunity for them to showcase their talent and determination on the international stage.
Next up for Latvia is the match against Slovenia on March 11th at 7:00 PM local time (UTC+2) in Riga. Fans can stay updated on the team’s progress and results through the Latvian Basketball Association’s official channels.
