Kuwait to face Vietnam at the opening of the Asian Games

Kuwait’s national Olympic football team (under-23) begins its campaign at the 20th Asian Games, Aichi-Nagoya 2026, when it faces Vietnam this afternoon in Group 3, at the Minato Stadium in Nagoya, Japan. Also in the same group, Uzbekistan plays the Philippines today.

The technical staff of the “Olympic Blues,” led by Spanish coach David Doniga, focused during recent training sessions on tactical aspects and outlining the general shape they want the players to implement, both offensively when in possession and defensively when out of possession.

The Olympic squad features a distinguished group of players, including goalkeeper Dhaari Al-Masri, and players Hamad Al-Sanousi, Bandar Al-Barazi, Ahmad Boudi, and Muntasir Abdul Salam. Coach Doniga also selected three overage players: Muath Al-Asime, Fawaz Al-Mubayyish, and Bandar Al-Salameh.

Kuwait Olympic team administrator Khalifa Al-Amiri told Al-Anbaa in an exclusive interview that the “Olympic Blues” squad is complete, with no injuries or absences.

Today’s match appears challenging, as Vietnam finished third in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup held last January, while Kuwait failed to qualify for the continental tournament after being eliminated in the qualifiers. However, Coach Doniga relies on the players’ spirit and experience, gained from their continuous participation with the national teams across various age groups and with their clubs in the senior category in local competitions.

Kuwait’s Olympic team plays its second match against Uzbekistan next Friday, and concludes its group stage with a game against the Philippines on Tuesday, hoping to qualify for the quarter-finals.

Meanwhile, international referee Saud Al-Samhan and international assistant referee Saud Al-Rashidi have departed for Japan to officiate football matches at the Asian Games. Their selection underscores the standing of Kuwaiti referees in managing important continental events.