The Latvian national ice hockey team is currently competing against Sweden for a chance to advance to the quarter-finals of the ice hockey tournament at the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina 2026. In their group stage, Latvia secured a fourth-place finish in Group C after a string of challenging matches, including a loss to the USA and a win over Germany. Their journey faced another setback with a defeat against Denmark, highlighting the competitive nature of the tournament and the significance of each match for the team's progression.

This Olympic men's ice hockey tournament marks a notable return of NHL players to the international stage, bringing a new dynamic to the competition after a 12-year absence. Each team competes in a round-robin format, with the group winners and the best second-placed team proceeding to the quarter-finals directly. The remaining eight teams will engage in qualifying elimination games to secure their spots in the quarter-finals. This year's format emphasizes the high stakes involved, as there is no opportunity for teams to warm up with a pre-tournament game.

The Latvian team has assembled what is considered their strongest lineup, representing a determined effort to excel on this significant international stage. With the contributions of top-tier NHL talent and a solid strategy in place, the outcome of their match against Sweden will be critical in determining Latvia's fate in the Olympic tournament. Fans and analysts alike are focused on this match, which could very well define their prospects for success in Milan-Cortina.