Vietnam - Uzbekistan: Battle for ASIAD quarterfinals spot

A draw against Uzbekistan in today's final Group C match will secure Vietnam a spot in the men's football quarterfinals at ASIAD 2026. Kick-off is at 12h.

Vietnam aims to secure its spot in the ASIAD 2026 men's football quarterfinals today, needing only a draw against Uzbekistan in their final Group C match. The crucial game kicks off at 12h.

Vietnam currently holds second place in Group C with 4 points, following a 1-1 draw with Kuwait and a 2-0 victory over the Philippines, featuring goals from Thanh Nhan and Le Phat. Uzbekistan leads the group with 6 points, having already secured qualification after defeating the Philippines 5-1 and Kuwait 2-0.

A draw guarantees Vietnam's progression. A win would see them top the group. Even a loss might allow them to advance if Kuwait fails to beat the Philippines by a large enough margin. Vietnam's goal difference is +2 with 3 goals scored, while Kuwait has a -2 goal difference and one goal. While finishing first could offer a psychological edge, Group C's quarterfinal opponent will come from a tough group that includes Korea and Saudi Arabia. Therefore, Vietnam's primary objective is to secure qualification.

Vietnam (in red) lost 0-1 to Uzbekistan in the U22 Panda Cup 2025 friendly tournament, held at Song Luu stadium, Chengdu, Sichuan province, China. *Photo: UFA*

U23 Vietnam fields its strongest squad, whereas Uzbekistan is expected to rotate players. Midfielder Ruziboy Fayzullaev is suspended after receiving a red card in the 2-0 win against Kuwait. Vietnam faces a significant challenge in defending against aerial balls. They conceded a goal to Kuwait from a header and struggled with crosses into the box against the Philippines. This is a traditional strength for Uzbekistan, a team known for physically strong players, aggressive challenges, and danger from set-piece situations.

Uzbekistan holds a superior position in Asian youth football compared to most teams its age. They won the U23 Asian Championship in 2018 and reached the finals in 2022 and 2024. At the U23 Asian Championship 2026, Uzbekistan's campaign ended in the quarterfinals against China after a penalty shootout. Vietnam progressed further in that tournament, earning a bronze medal, but its ASIAD squad and coaching staff have undergone changes.

The two teams share a notable history, including the U23 Asian Championship 2018 final in Changzhou, where Uzbekistan claimed a 2-1 extra-time victory. In their most recent official match, during the U23 Asian Championship 2024 group stage, Vietnam suffered a 0-3 defeat. Several current Vietnamese players, including Ly Duc, Cao Van Binh, Thai Quoc Cuong, Xuan Bac, Phi Hoang, Minh Phuc, Thanh Nhan, and Van Thuan, have previously competed against Uzbekistan's youth teams in friendly tournaments held in China.