The Lithuania national soccer team represents Lithuania in international football and is controlled by the Lithuanian Football Federation. As part of UEFA, Lithuania competes in the European Championship and the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

History

Lithuania played its first international match in 1923. However, the country's presence on the international stage was interrupted due to World War II and subsequent Soviet occupation, which led to the dissolution of the national team. It was not until 1990, following Lithuania's declaration of independence from the Soviet Union, that the national team was re-established.

Major Successes

• Since regaining independence, Lithuania has not yet qualified for any major international tournaments like the FIFA World Cup or the UEFA European Championship. However, the team has had notable performances in qualifiers, often challenging stronger teams.
• Lithuania's most significant achievement in recent years was winning the Baltic Cup, a regional tournament involving the Baltic states, multiple times, with victories in 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2005, 2010, and 2012.

Notable Players

• Edgaras Jankauskas: One of the most prominent Lithuanian players, Jankauskas had a successful club career in Europe, including winning the UEFA Champions League with FC Porto in 2004.
• Deividas Šemberas: A versatile player known for his defensive skills, Šemberas had a long career with CSKA Moscow, winning numerous domestic and international titles.
• Valdas Ivanauskas: A former forward who played in Germany and Austria, Ivanauskas was part of the Lithuanian national team in its early years post-independence.

Notable Coaches

• Benjaminas Zelkevičius: Known for his impact in the development of Lithuanian football, Zelkevičius had multiple stints as the national team coach and was instrumental in the team's early successes in the 1990s.
• Valdas Urbonas: A more recent figure in Lithuanian football, Urbonas has managed the national team and worked towards integrating younger talents into the squad.

While Lithuania's national team has not yet reached the heights of qualifying for major tournaments, it remains a resilient and competitive team in the region, known for its determination and passion for the game.