Futsal EURO 2026, Day Two: Armenia and Lithuania Make Their Debut

On Thursday, the action in Group B of the final stage of the UEFA Futsal EURO 2026 will kick off at Zalgiris Arena in Kaunas. The matchday will feature historic moments, as Armenia and Lithuania take to the court at a European Championship for the first time. Their opponents will be the experienced teams of Ukraine and Czechia.

Armenia vs Ukraine (16:00 CET)
18:00 Moscow time
19:00 Yerevan time

The Armenian national team achieved a stunning breakthrough, sensationally eliminating Kazakhstan in qualifying and becoming the only debutant to complete the entire qualification path. For Ruben Nazaretyan’s side, whom he has led for more than two decades, participation in the final tournament marks a major milestone in the development of futsal in the country.

However, the opening opponent is extremely formidable. Ukraine are two-time European Championship finalists and bronze medallists at the 2024 World Cup. Oleksandr Kosenko’s team produced a record run of 12 consecutive victories last year and once again arrives as a medal contender. Despite injury concerns, captain Petro Shoturma has recovered in time and is ready to lead his teammates.

Nazaretyan underlined Armenia’s fighting spirit:
“We don’t consider ourselves a weak team. We are preparing seriously and our competitive spirit is high. The minimum goal is our first win at the European Championship, the maximum is to advance from the group and go as far as possible.”

Kosenko also stressed the importance of the moment:
“We aim to win every match. There is some nervousness, because the EURO takes place only once every four years, and you have to be ready right now.”

Lithuania vs Czechia (19:00 CET)

The second match of the day also promises intrigue. Lithuania already has experience of major tournaments, having hosted the 2021 World Cup, but will appear at the EURO for the first time. Head coach Dentinho combines his national team duties with his work at Kauno Žalgiris, and many players know him well from club level.

Czechia return to the continental stage under Marek Kopecký, who took charge of the team ahead of the qualifying campaign. The Czechs confidently progressed from qualification ahead of Belgium and Serbia and are now targeting at least a place in the knockout stage.

Dentinho is counting on home support:
“We clearly understand the level and intensity that await us. Playing at home, with the support of our families and fans, we can raise our game. We want to show our best futsal and dream of reaching the quarter-finals.”

Kopecký expects a tough start:
“There will be no easy matches. Lithuania are outsiders only on paper, because they will have massive support. The first game is always the hardest.”

All matches will be broadcast live on  UEFA.tv, with a free online stream also available on VK (Vital Sport).