Latvia vs USA Prediction & Picks - IIHF World Championship
International - IIHF World Championship
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by Taavi Pailk | in IIHF World Championship Picks
The United States will attempt to start building momentum at the 2026 IIHF World Championship with a second consecutive victory over Latvia on Saturday at the Swiss Life Arena in Zurich, Switzerland.
It’s been a bumpy ride for the Americans in Switzerland, as the team has flipped between wins and losses. On Wednesday, Don Granato’s men were close to a second consecutive loss. In a matchup against Germany, a late goal by Tommy Novak was needed to extend the game, and Team USA eventually won 4-3 in a shootout.
The reigning champions have also beaten Great Britain 5-1 at the tournament. While the team is on course to reach the quarterfinals, the United States’ play has been far from convincing, particularly on defense.
Latvia can’t be happy with its defense either, coming off a 7-1 loss to Finland. It was a reality check for the side after a solid three-game stretch to start the tournament.
In 2023, Latvia had a very successful World Championship, finishing third, but they haven’t made it into the quarterfinals since. Sitting on three points through four games, they also face an uphill battle this year to reach the knockout stages and must start taking more risks offensively to win games.
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Latvia vs USA Form
Table
| Teams | Pts | P | W | L | GD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3
|
12 | 7 | 4 | 3 | +7 |
|
4
|
11 | 262 | 3 | 3 | +4 |
Latvia and USA Latest Matches
3/6 (50%)
3/6 (50%)
May 21, 2026 - IIHF World Championship
May 19, 2026 - IIHF World Championship
May 17, 2026 - IIHF World Championship
May 16, 2026 - IIHF World Championship
May 7, 2026 - International Friendly Games
May 6, 2026 - International Friendly Games
4/6 (67%)
2/6 (33%)
May 21, 2026 - IIHF World Championship
May 19, 2026 - IIHF World Championship
May 7, 2026 - International Friendly Games
May 6, 2026 - International Friendly Games
Apr 23, 2026 - International Friendly Games
Apr 9, 2026 - International Friendly Games
3/6 (50%)
3/6 (50%)
May 17, 2026 - IIHF World Championship
May 16, 2026 - IIHF World Championship
May 3, 2026 - International Friendly Games
May 2, 2026 - International Friendly Games
Apr 22, 2026 - International Friendly Games
Feb 17, 2026 - Ice hockey - Men's Olympic Tournament
4/6 (67%)
2/6 (33%)
May 20, 2026 - IIHF World Championship
May 18, 2026 - IIHF World Championship
May 17, 2026 - IIHF World Championship
May 15, 2026 - IIHF World Championship
May 10, 2026 - International Friendly Games
Feb 22, 2026 - Ice hockey - Men's Olympic Tournament
5/6 (83%)
1/6 (17%)
May 20, 2026 - IIHF World Championship
May 15, 2026 - IIHF World Championship
Feb 20, 2026 - Ice hockey - Men's Olympic Tournament
Feb 18, 2026 - Ice hockey - Men's Olympic Tournament
Feb 15, 2026 - Ice hockey - Men's Olympic Tournament
Feb 14, 2026 - Ice hockey - Men's Olympic Tournament
5/6 (83%)
1/6 (17%)
May 18, 2026 - IIHF World Championship
May 17, 2026 - IIHF World Championship
May 10, 2026 - International Friendly Games
Feb 22, 2026 - Ice hockey - Men's Olympic Tournament
Feb 12, 2026 - Ice hockey - Men's Olympic Tournament
May 24, 2025 - IIHF World Championship
Latvia against USA : Head to Head (H2H)
0 %
100 %
Feb 12, 2026 - Ice hockey - Men's Olympic Tournament
Players list
G. Grigals
K. Gudlevskis
A. Smits
M. Tumanovs
A. Andzans
R. Mamcics
R. Freibergs
K. Zile
O. Cibulskis
K. Skrastins
G. Prohorenkovs
D. Smirnovs
S. Vilmanis
O. Murnieks
O. Lapinskis
R. Balcers
M. Dzierkals
R. Krastenbergs
T. Andersons
O. Batna
H. Egle
F. Buncis
D. Cooley
J. Woll
R. Ufko
M. Lohrei
D. Carlile
R. Lindgren
J. Faulk
C. Clifton
W. Borgen
I. Howard
M. Coronato
M. Plante
J. Hagens
M. Sasson
O. Moore
R. Leonard
D. Nelson
M. Tkachuk
T. Novak
M. Olivier
P. Cotter
A. Steeves
Most goals and assists
Latvia
USA
R. Balcers
(7 Goals)
R. Leonard
(4 Goals)
,
M. Tkachuk
(4 Goals)
S. Vilmanis
(7 Assists)
T. Novak
(7 Assists)
Latvia - USA Key Points
- These teams also met at the Olympics this year, with the USA winning 5-1.
- In this matchup, four of the last five games have had over 5.5 goals.
- Only one of Team USA’s games at the 2026 IIHF World Championship has finished with fewer than six goals.
- Despite recording one shutout, Latvia has allowed 3.50 goals per game at the 2026 IIHF World Championship.
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Our Latvia vs USA Prediction
In the second round of the group stage, Latvia impressed with a 2-0 shutout victory over Germany, but their defense has been leaky overall. Switzerland, Austria, and Finland all scored three-plus goals against the Latvians.
While Team USA has left many of its big guns at home, they have averaged 3.00 goals per game at the tournament. There’s more than enough quality to cause problems for Latvia. Meanwhile, the U.S. defense hasn’t been strong, allowing 3.25 goals per game.
Our prediction for Latvia vs. USA: Over 5.5 goals.
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