U23 Kuwait is an unpredictable opponent as they have prepared quite carefully for ASIAD 2026. The West Asian team is led by Spanish coach David Doniga and has arrived in Japan early to get acquainted with the competition conditions.
Notably, U23 Kuwait used all 3 overage players. Al-Asaimi, Al-Salama and Al-Mubailish were all arranged in the attacking positions, showing this team's intention to play proactively. The experience of the trio over 23 years old helps U23 Kuwait have more attacking options, especially in transitional situations.
Meanwhile, U23 Vietnam does not use overage players, which is consistent with the orientation of giving opportunities to young players. Coach Dinh Hong Vinh's team also does not have the strongest force when lacking some players such as Dinh Bac, Cong Phuong.
Short preparation time makes U23 Vietnam need to quickly find cohesion. However, the team still has experienced international players such as Ngoc My, Van Binh, Duc Anh, Phi Hoang, Quoc Cuong,... This is a fulcrum for U23 Vietnam to move towards a proactive game.
The ability to control the midfield and limit the physical advantage of U23 Kuwait will be the key. U23 Vietnam needs to maintain a reasonable formation distance, avoid losing the ball in dangerous areas and take advantage of speed in counter-attacks.
U23 Vietnam once defeated U23 Kuwait in the group stage of the 2024 AFC U23 Championship. Le Nguyen Hoang is the only player in the current squad to have participated in that match. However, the past results are only for reference as U23 Kuwait currently has more experienced players.
With urgent preparation, the ability to integrate quickly will determine the chances of U23 Vietnam. If they play solidly, control the midfield well and effectively take advantage of opportunities, coach Dinh Hong Vinh's team has a basis to aim for victory.
Expected lineup
U23 Vietnam: Van Binh, Ly Duc, Quang Kiet, Duc Anh, Phi Hoang, Xuan Bac, Quoc Cuong, Minh Phuc, Thanh Nhan, Ngoc My, Quoc Viet.
U23 Kuwait: Abdulredha Shehab, Hamoud Al-Sanousi, Bandar Al-Barazi, Ahmed Boudi, Montaser Abdul Salam, Ali Hassan, Muath Al-Asaimi, Eid Al-Azmi, Ahmed Khurshid, Omar Al-Matar, Nasser Khader.
