Vietnam U23 vs Kuwait U23 Asian Games Preview
Vietnam and Kuwait begin their campaign in the football event at the 2026 Asian Games with a Group C clash on Tuesday.
Neither side has been at their best lately, and with both defences looking shaky, both teams could be backed to get on the score sheet.
Key Stats
- Vietnam U23 have scored in seven of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
- Vietnam U23 have conceded in eight of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
- Kuwait U23 have scored in five of their last eight matches in all competitions.
- Kuwait have conceded in their last five matches in all competitions.
- Both teams were on target in their only previous meeting back in 2024.
One Previous Meeting
The only previous meeting between both teams was an Asian Cup U23 clash back in 2024, with Vietnam claiming a 2-0 victory over Kuwait.
Vietnam Hoping to Find Their Form
Vietnam have not been in action since the 1-0 defeat to China in a friendly back in March. That was the second straight defeat for Kim Sang-sik’s team, who also suffered a similar loss to Thailand in their previous fixture.
A closer look at Vietnam’s overall recent performances reveals patchy form, having picked up just three wins from their last 10 matches in all competitions. They will be hoping to find their rhythm heading into their Group C opener at the Asian Games.
One of the issues for Vietnam is a shaky backline that has conceded in eight of their last 10 matches in all competitions. However, they have also shown some attacking quality, scoring in seven of those 10 matches.
Kuwait Looking off Colour
Kuwait have also been away from action for a while, with their last outing coming at the Arabian U23 Cup last December. They picked up a 2-1 victory over Bahrain, with Ahmad Boodai and Moontaser Al Abdulsalam getting the goals.
That was a rare win for Kuwait, who had lost their previous three matches in all competitions. Their overall form has also been unconvincing, with just three wins in the last 10 matches.
Defensive vulnerability has been one of the problems for Kuwait, who have conceded in their last five matches in all competitions. However, Emilio Peixe’s team have scored in five of their last eight matches in all competitions.
Team News & Predicted Line-ups
Vietnam (4-4-2): Cao Van Binh; Nguyen Nuc Anh, Pham Ly Duc, Dinh Quang Kiet, Dang Tuan; Le Vanh Thuan, Nguyen Quang, Pham Minh Phuc, Nguyen Xuan Bac, Nguyen Quoc, Nguyen Thanh.
Nguyen Quoc is likely to feature in attack for Vietnam, with Nguyen Thanh partnering him up front. Le Van Thuan should earn a place in midfield while Pham Ly Duc and Quang Kiet are set to start at the heart of the defence.
Kuwait (4-3-3): Hussein Kankouni; Bandar Al-Barazi, Mohamed Al-Suraiel, Abdullah Essa, Jasem Al-Enezi; Moontaser Abdulsalam, Jasem Al-Mutar, Abdullah Al-Ghaniman; Moath Al-Enezi, Soud Qassim, Ahmad Boodai.
Ahmad Boodai should lead the line for Vietnam, with Al Enezi and Qassim providing support. Abdulsalam is set to start in midfield while Al-Suraiel and Essa are expected to partner in central defence.