Uzbekistan U23 vs Saudi Arabia U23 Asian Games Preview
A place in the last four of the football event at the 2026 Asian Games is up for grabs as Uzbekistan battle Saudi Arabia in a quarter-final clash.
The White Wolves remain perfect in the tournament and given their recent record in this fixture, should get the better of their rivals, who are not at their best.
Key Stats
- Uzbekistan U23 won their three group stage matches.
- Uzbekistan U23 have won the last three matches against Saudi Arabia.
- Saudi Arabia U23 have lost three of their last four matches in all competitions.
Recent Edge for Uzbekistan
Saudi Arabia have four wins while Uzbekistan have picked up three victories, with two draws in the last nine matches. However, all of Uzbekistan’s wins have come in the last three fixtures, including a 3-1 victory in a friendly back in 2025.
Smooth Sailing for Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan wrapped up their group stage campaign with a 2-0 victory over Vietnam. They were largely untroubled for much of the contest, with goals in each half from Mukhammadali Urinboev and Nurlan Ibraimov earning them the win.
The result means Uzbekistan qualified for the quarter-finals of the Asian Games as Group C winners. Ravshan Khaydarov's team also have a perfect record in the tournament so far, winning all three matches.
It has been an impressive campaign so far for Uzbekistan, who have scored nine goals in three matches and conceded just once. Their overall form has also been solid lately, with four wins from their last five fixtures in all competitions.
Saudi Arabia Looking Unconvincing
Saudi Arabia head into this clash off the back of a 2-0 victory to South Korea in their final Group D fixture. They showed a few flashes of quality but ultimately fell short against the superior quality of the Koreans.
Despite that result, Saudi Arabia still qualified for the quarter-finals of the tournament. With only three teams in Group C, their 2-0 victory over Qatar in the opening fixture was enough to see them progress.
A closer look at Saudi Arabia's overall form beyond the Asian Games reveals that they have found things a bit difficult lately. Luigi Di Biagio's team have lost three of their last four matches in all competitions.
Team News & Predicted Line-ups
Uzbekistan (4-3-1-2): Samandar Muratbaev; Ruziboy Fayzullaev, Giyosdzhon Rizakulov, Saidkhon Khamidov, Dilshod Murtozoev; Sardorbek Bakhromov, Azizbek Tulkunbekov, Nurlan Ibraimov; Asilbek Jumaev; Saidumarkhon Saidnurullaev, Mukhammadali Urinboev.
Ruziboy Fayzullaev is set to return for Uzbekistan after serving a suspension in the final group game. Ibraimov could earn a start following his goal last time out, while Giyosdzhon Rizakulov and Saidkhon Khamidov should continue their central defensive partnership.
Saudi Arabia (4-2-3-1): Abdullah Al-Ruwaili; Sultan Alessa, Mohammed Barnawi, Meshal Aldawood, Yazan Madani; Saudi Al-Yami, Farrah Al-Shamrani; Sabri Dahal, Eyad Houssa, Amar Al-Yuhaybi; Thamer Al-Khaibri.
Saudi Arabia ended their group stage campaign with no injuries or suspensions. Thamer Al-Khaibri could return to the starting line-up after coming off the bench last time out, while Meshal Aldawood is set to feature at the back once again.