Saudi Arabia U23 vs Qatar U23 Asian Games Preview
Saudi Arabia begin their campaign in the football event at the 2026 Asian Games with a Group D clash against Qatar.
The Green Falcons’ overall form has been solid lately, and they should be too strong for their rivals, who were out of sorts in their opening fixture.
- Saudi Arabia U23 are unbeaten in seven of their last nine matches in all competitions.
- Saudi Arabia U23 have won six of their last nine matches in all competitions.
- Saudi Arabia U23 are unbeaten in the last eight matches against Qatar U23.
- Qatar U23 have failed to win their last six matches in all competitions.
Saudi Arabia on Top
Saudi Arabia have never lost in this fixture and are unbeaten in the last eight matches against Qatar. The most recent meeting was an Arabian Gulf U23 clash, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Saudi Arabia Seeking Positive Start
Saudi Arabia are heading into their opening fixture in the Asian Games because there are only three teams in Group C. Their last outing was at the AFC Asian U23 Cup back in January, and they will be hoping to avoid any rustiness.
It was a poor campaign at the Asian U23 Cup for Saudi Arabia, who failed to progress beyond the group stage. Luigi Di Biagio’s team suffered a 1-0 defeat to Vietnam in their final fixture.
While it was a disappointing showing at the Asian U23 Cup, Saudi Arabia’s overall form has been solid lately. They are unbeaten in seven of their last nine matches in all competitions, picking up six wins in this run.
Disappointing Start for Qatar
Qatar made a disappointing start to their Asian Games campaign, suffering a 4-1 defeat to South Korea. They were second-best throughout the contest and fell four goals down before Marwan Sherif struck a consolation five minutes from time.
Al-Annabi are now playing catch-up in the group and will be looking to get things back on track on Friday. The first task for manager Ilidio Vale will be to tighten up at the back as they were far too exposed defensively in their opening fixture.
Another problem for Qatar is that the result in the opening fixture is consistent with their overall form at the moment. They are without a win in their last six matches in all competitions.
Team News & Predicted Line-ups
Saudi Arabia (4-2-3-1): Hamed Al-Shanqiti; Mohammed Abdulrahman, Mohammed Al-Dossari, Mohammed Barnawi, Salem Al-Nadji; Faisal Al-Subiani, Faris Al-Ghamdi; Abdulaziz Al-Aliwa, Musab Al-Juwayr, Hammam Al-Hammami; Abdullah Radif.
Radif is expected to lead the line for Saudi Arabia, with Al-Juwayr and Al-Hammami providing support. Al-Ghamdi is set to line up in midfield while Abdulrahman and Al-Dossari should feature in defence.
Qatar (4-3-3): Abubaker Osman; Zaid Shtiewi, Ali Shahabi, Yousef Al-Nizami, Aatif Elamin; Marwan Sherif, Ziyad Fadi, Moath Taha; Mohamed Faragalla, Mohamed Gouda, Mohammed Chakeri.
Sherif could earn a start in midfield for Qatar after scoring their only goal in the opening fixture. Gouda is set to lead the line while Al-Nizami and Elamin should continue their central defensive partnership.