Players preparing for their final training.

TASHKENT, Oct 7: Kuwait wraps up its training sessions this evening in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, in preparation for a friendly match against the Uzbek national team on Thursday. The encounter comes as part of Al-Azraq’s international break training program, aimed at building readiness for the crucial Arab Cup playoff clash against Mauritania on November 25 in Doha. The Arab Cup, organized under the supervision of FIFA, will kick off in early December.

The Uzbekistan Football Association has confirmed that the Olympic Stadium in Tashkent will host Thursday’s fixture between the two national teams.

Head coach Helio Sousa is eager to see his players put on a convincing performance in his second game at the helm, following the 2–2 draw with Syria in September in Doha. Sousa is focused on helping the squad fully adapt to his tactical system and playing style before official competitions resume.

However, the Portuguese coach recognizes the challenge ahead, as Uzbekistan — led by Italian legend Fabio Cannavaro — recently secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Following the Uzbekistan encounter, Kuwait will play a second friendly against Morocco’s local team in Dubai. The squad will travel from Tashkent to the United Arab Emirates on Friday, with the match scheduled for October 14, before returning home on October 15.

Meanwhile, the Kuwait Football Association has revealed the team’s November training camp schedule, which will take place in Cairo from November 10 to 20. The camp will include two friendly matches — against Tanzania on November 14 and Gambia on November 18 — before the team heads to Doha to face Mauritania on November 25 in the Arab Cup playoff.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff