U23 Vietnam is gearing up to face U23 Kuwait in their first match of the ASIAD 2026 tournament, scheduled for September 15 at 17:00 local time. Coach Dinh Hong Vinh has assembled the best possible lineup, aiming to secure three points in this crucial opener.

In the lead-up to the match, U23 Vietnam has faced challenges due to a limited preparation period. With key players like Dinh Bac and Cong Phuong absent, the team is relying on the experience of its current squad, many of whom have participated in international competitions and recently won a bronze medal at the U23 Asian Championship 2026.

Coach Vinh expressed his determination during a pre-match press conference, stating, “We always aim to go as far as possible. My players and I will give our utmost in every match, respecting our opponents while striving for the best results. The first important goal is to advance past the group stage, and then we will continue to push for further success in the tournament.”

On the other hand, U23 Kuwait has been well-prepared for this tournament, arriving in Japan early to acclimatize to the weather and local conditions. The team has also utilized all three over-age player slots, including notable players like Al-Asaimi, Al-Salama, and Al-Mubailish, who are expected to play pivotal roles in their strategy.

As the match approaches, expectations are high for U23 Vietnam to deliver a strong performance despite the hurdles they face. Fans are hopeful that the team's collective experience will help them navigate this challenging encounter against a seasoned Kuwaiti side.