The Latvian national team, led by head coach Jānis Gailītis, and the Ukrainian team under coach Ainars Bagatskis, are preparing to continue their campaign for a place in the World Cup finals. At the start of July, both teams secured two wins and are preparing with determination for the next qualification games. In the August cycle, both teams are expected to have their top players, including NBA athletes Kristaps Porziņģis, Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk, and Maks Šulga, as well as players from EuroLeague clubs. Since 1992, Latvia and Ukraine have faced each other 20 times, with Latvia winning 14 and losing 6 matches. In FIBA 2027 World Cup qualifying, Ukraine holds a better position in its group with 4 wins, compared to Latvia's 3 wins.