Uzbekistan U23 vs Philippines U23 2026 Asian Games Preview
Uzbekistan and the Philippines square off in their opening Group C fixture of the football event at the 2026 Asian Games.
There are likely to be a few shaky moments in the first match, and with both teams showing defensive vulnerability, goals could be on the cards here.
Key Stats
- Uzbekistan U23 have scored in six of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
- Uzbekistan U23 have conceded in six of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
- Philippines U23 have scored in eight of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
- Philippines U23 have conceded in four of their last eight matches in all competitions.
No Previous Meetings
This will be the first-ever meeting between Uzbekistan and Philippines at this level.
Uzbekistan's Patchy Form
Uzbekistan come into this clash off the back of a 1-0 victory over USA in a pre-tournament friendly. They were made to work hard for the win, with Firdavs Abdurakhmonov’s effort midway through the second half proving to be the difference.
That was a timely return to winning ways for Uzbekistan, who had been winless in their previous four matches. Their overall form has also been a bit patchy lately, with just four wins and two draws in their last 10 matches in all competitions.
Uzbekistan have shown some attacking quality lately, scoring in six of their last 10 matches in all competitions. However, Ravshan Khaydarov’s team have also looked a bit shaky at the back, conceding in six of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
Philippines Looking Erratic
The last outing for the Philippines ahead of this competition was at the qualifiers for the AFC Asian U23 Cup. They failed to make that tournament but ended their campaign with a 4-0 victory over Nepal.
That was their second straight win for the Philippines, who also picked up a 1-0 victory over Tajikistan in their previous fixture. However, like their rivals, Garrath McPherson’s team have also battled inconsistency lately, with five wins in their last 10 matches in all competitions.
Another similarity with Uzbekistan is that the Philippines have also looked sharp going forward, scoring in eight of their last 10 matches. However, they have the tendency to switch off at the back and have conceded in four of their last eight matches.
Team News & Predicted Line-ups
Uzbekistan (4-3-3): Abduvohid Nematov; Saidazamat Mirsaidov, Mukhammadkodir Khamraliev, Ibrokhimkhalil Yuldoshev, Zafarmurod Abduralhmatov; Umarali Rakhmonaliev, Diyor Kholmatov, Jasurbek Jaloliddinov; Abbosbek Fayzullaev, Ruslanbek Jiyanov, Khusayin Norchaev.
Khamraliev and Yuldoshev are expected to feature at the back for Uzbekistan, while Kholmatov should start in midfield. Norchaev is set to line up in attack, with Jiyanov and Fayzullaev providing support.
Philippines U23 (4-2-3-1): Alfonso Gonzalez; Santi Rublico, Jaime Rosquillo, Isaiah Alaiku, Gabriel Guimaraes; Gavin Muens, Jax Pena, Uriel Dalapo, Sandro Reyes, Karl Absalon; Selwyn Mamon.
Mamon is expected to lead the line for the Philippines alongside Dalapo and Reyes. Muens should feature in midfield while Rosquillo and Alaiku should hold the fort in the heart of the defence.