Latvia vs Finland predictions, May 21, 2026

Score, Highlights

Short Preview

As Latvia prepares to host Finland in an exciting IIHF World Championship matchup on May 21, 2026, both teams come into the game with contrasting recent forms that could significantly affect the outcome. Latvia’s national team is riding high, having secured victories in 4 of their last 5 matches, showcasing a strong defensive structure and efficient scoring ability. They are characterized by their quick transitions and ability to capitalize on power play opportunities, making them a formidable opponent on home ice.

On the other hand, Finland has won 3 of their last 5 contests, demonstrating a more inconsistent but still competitive form. The Finnish team is known for its disciplined play and strong forechecking, which often allows them to control the pace of the game. Their tactical approach relies on solid defensive reinforcement and creating high-quality scoring chances.

Bookmakers have placed odds of 9.05 for Latvia and 1.27 for Finland, reflecting the visitors’ status as favorites. However, with Latvia’s home advantage and recent momentum, they could pose a serious challenge to Finland. This matchup promises an intriguing clash of styles, where both teams will seek to impose their game plans. Ultimately, predicting a definitive winner is challenging given the parity and intensity expected in international competition.

This preview is generated with the Welcome.Bet AI Insights Engine, combining form data, betting odds, and semantic SEO optimization to deliver relevant match analysis for fans and bettors alike from 2026-05-16T23:52:02+00:00.

Latvia 11.1%

Draw 14.4%

Finland 74.5%

Outrights of IIHF World Championship Finland: 13.15% Latvia: 0.7%

!!!!! Information about video stream is absent for now

Betting Odds

	1	X	2
	9.05	7	1.27
	7.5	5.75	1.2

Latest Results

16.05.26 Switzerland hockey – Latvia hockey – 4:2 07.05.26 Latvia hockey – Norway hockey – 4:3 penalties 06.05.26 Latvia hockey – Norway hockey – 3:2 OT 03.05.26 Slovakia hockey – Latvia hockey – 5:2 02.05.26 Slovakia hockey – Latvia hockey – 1:5

16.05.26 Hungary hockey – Finland hockey – 1:4 15.05.26 Finland hockey – Germany hockey – 3:1 10.05.26 Sweden hockey – Finland hockey – 1:5 09.05.26 Finland hockey – Czech Republic hockey – 3:2 07.05.26 Switzerland hockey – Finland hockey – 5:4 penalties

Facts

In the last 5 head-to-head matches, Latvia won 2.

In recent matches, Latvia has shown inconsistent form (last 5 games: 3 wins).

Finland is in very good shape now (in the last 5 games, wins – 4).

Latvia may have a physical advantage due to more rest days in recent times.

In this match, Finland is the undisputed favorite.

In the last 16 head-to-head matches, Latvia won 3 matches, drew 0 matches, lost 13 matches, and goals 23:54. (average 1.4:3.4).

Latest Head To Head

22.04.26 Finland hockey – Latvia hockey – 1:2 OT 17.05.25 Finland hockey – Latvia hockey – 2:1 10.04.25 Latvia hockey – Finland hockey – 1:4 09.04.25 Latvia hockey – Finland hockey – 3:2 11.04.24 Latvia hockey – Finland hockey – 2:3

Standings

Draw

Play Offs

Quarter-finals

1	Switzerland (B1)	Austria (A4)	6 : 0
2	Canada (A1)	Denmark (B4)	1 : 2
3	Sweden (A2)	Czech Republic (B3)	5 : 2
4	USA (B2)	Finland (A3)	5 : 2

Semi-finals

1	Switzerland (B1)	Denmark (B4)	7 : 0
2	Sweden (A2)	USA (B2)	2 : 6

Final

1

Switzerland (B1)

USA (B2)

0 : 1

3rd place

2

Sweden (A2)

Denmark (B4)

6 : 2

IIHF World Championship Outrights

1. Canada: 1.67 (46.45%)

2. Finland: 5.9 (13.15%)

3. Switzerland: 7.4 (10.48%)

4. Sweden: 8.4 (9.23%)

5. USA: 9.6 (8.08%)

6. Czech Republic: 13 (5.97%)

7. Germany: 47 (1.65%)

8. Slovakia: 54.2 (1.43%)

9. Denmark: 110.2 (0.7%)

10. Latvia: 110.2 (0.7%)

11. Austria: 120.2 (0.65%)

12. Norway: 140.2 (0.55%)

13. Slovenia: 230.2 (0.34%)

14. Great Britain: 380.2 (0.2%)

15. Hungary: 380.2 (0.2%)

16. Italy: 380.2 (0.2%)

Latvia – Finland and other IIHF World Championship events on our partner.