To prepare for the U23 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, Kyrgyzstan's team was training in the UAE. On 23/12, they played a friendly match against China, losing 0-1. However, the game was marked by aggressive tackles that led to an altercation between the teams.

Kyrgyzstan (in white) during an U23 friendly match against China in the UAE on 23/12. *Photo: KFU*

A rematch was scheduled for 29/12, but Kyrgyzstan withdrew just hours before kickoff. The Kyrgyzstan Football Federation (KFF) announced the decision was based on mutual consent and adhered to fair play principles.

Following the cancellation of the China rematch, Kyrgyzstan played a friendly against Arabian Falcons, a third-division UAE club, securing a 6-0 victory. This served as the final preparatory match for Maksim Lisitsyn's squad before the U23 Asian Cup.

Kyrgyzstan will make its debut in the tournament, competing in Group A alongside Vietnam, Jordan, and host Saudi Arabia. Their campaign begins against the hosts on 6/1, followed by matches against Vietnam on 9/1 and Jordan on 12/1.

With Kyrgyzstan's cancellation, China now has only one friendly match remaining before the tournament, against Iraq on 1/1/2026. China will then commence its Group D journey, facing Iraq on 8/1, Australia on 11/1, and Thailand on 14/1.

The 2026 U23 Asian Cup features 16 teams, divided into four groups of four. Each group will play a one-round robin format from 6/1 to 14/1. The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals on 16/1 and 17/1. The semifinals are scheduled for 20/1, the third-place match for 23/1, and the final for 24/1. This tournament is not part of the men's Olympic football qualifiers.

Under coach Kim Sang-sik, Vietnam will play their opening match against Jordan on 6/1, subsequently facing Kyrgyzstan and Saudi Arabia.

Hoang An (according to Sina)