Kyrgyzstan have named 25 players for the 2026 Casper Cup in Vietnam. VFF lists three goalkeepers, eight defenders, 11 midfielders and three forwards in head coach Urmat Abdukaimov's squad.
Familiar names and a V.League connection
Midfield selections include Gulzhigit Alykulov, Alimardon Shukurov and Odilzhon Abdurakhmanov. Alykulov scored in a draw with Malaysia during the second round of 2026 World Cup qualifying, a contribution VFF links to Kyrgyzstan's qualification for the 2027 Asian Cup.
Abdurakhmanov provides a direct connection with Vietnamese club football. He plays for Thanh Hoa in the 2026/27 V.League season and captains the club. He also contributed to Kyrgyzstan reaching the third round of World Cup qualifying for the first time and received the country's 2024 Silver Ball award.
The forward group contains Ghana-born Joel Kojo, Kai Merk and Sirozhiddin Astanakulov. Experienced defender Valeriy Kichin, who has spent several years playing in Russia, is also included.
November opponents confirmed
Abdukaimov became national-team head coach in August 2026 after working with Kyrgyzstan's under-23 side and in coach development. His squad will face Chinese Taipei on 14 November and Vietnam on 17 November, according to VFF. Thanh Nien also reports those opponents and dates.
Vietnam lost 2-1 to Kyrgyzstan in a closed friendly in Qatar in January 2024, during preparations for the 2023 Asian Cup. The new squad announcement sets out Kyrgyzstan's personnel before the rematch. Further coverage is available through Vietnam national team fixtures.