Qatar coach Ilidio Vale
Doha, Qatar: Qatar launch their AFC U-23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 campaign when they face the UAE in Group B in Jeddah today.
The match at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium will be a crucial test for both teams in a demanding group, which also includes the defending champions Japan and West Asian heavyweights Syria.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Qatar coach Ilidio Vale said his team is ready for the challenge, adding that the team is high in confidence ahead of the opener against the UAE.
“We have a very good group of players,” Vale said.
“I trust their ability to deliver the required level and achieve our objectives in this competition,” the Portuguese coach said.
He added that the team aims to go all the way in Saudi Arabia, while challenging for the title.
Qatar player Jassim Al-Sharshani underlined the importance of a strong start.
He also added that preparations went well and the squad is fully ready.
“Our focus is on winning the first match and taking the three points which will be crucial in our campaign,” the Al Ahli midfielder said.
On the other hand, UAE also believe they have done enough homework ahead of today’s encounter.
UAE head coach Marcelo Broli said his side’s long-term preparation can deliver an early advantage.
The Argentine, who has worked closely with the squad for nearly two years, said Qatar are not easy opponents.
“Qatar are not easy to play with but we are confident with our players,” Broli said.
“We spent a lot of time with the players, two years with the team to understand them better. This Asian Cup brings together the best teams so every game is important,” Broli said.
Despite the absence of injured forward Sultan Adil, UAE coach said the team relies on collective effort.
Montpellier striker Junior Ndiaye leads a squad that includes several players with senior international experience.
“We do have excellent players. Sultan is injured but the opportunity is there for the rest of the players to prove themselves. We have a lot of players who have played with the senior teams. Like Mubarak (Zamah) who has played at a high level,” Broli said.
“We are focusing on collective work, not individual. The absence of some of the players means some other players can have the chance to play and express themselves,” he added.
This will be the first meeting between Qatar and UAE in an AFC U23 Asian Cup. This is also Qatar’s sixth appearance at the U-23 continental tournament. Qatar’s best result came in 2018 in China, where they finished third. Qatar hosted the tournament in 2016, where they finished fourth and 2024 when they reached the quarter-finals.
Saudi Arabia win opener
In the openin fixture of the tournament yesterday, Saudi Arabia edged Kyrgyzstan 1-0 in Group A after Rakan Al Ghamdi struck a late winner in Jeddah.
Debutants Kyrgyzstan were reduced to 10 men in the 34th minute and Al Ghamdi struck in the 88th minute as 2022 champions Saudi Arabia got off to a winning start.
Vietnam also got off to a winning start, defeating Jordan 2-0 at King Abdullah Sports City Hall in Saudi Arabia
