"Coach Wang" reveals Thailand national team's goals after being drawn into a group with three strong teams in the 2026 Asian Games.
On 23 July 2026, Coach Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul gave an interview about the men's football group draw at the 20th Asian Games held in Nagoya, Japan.
The Thailand national team is in Group A alongside Japan, Kyrgyzstan, and Hong Kong. They will play in a round-robin format, with the group winner and runner-up advancing to the quarterfinals. Thairath TV Channel 32 will broadcast all matches featuring Thailand.
Coach Wang said, "The draw result placing us with Japan means facing a team with a high standard in Asia, who are also the U23 Asian champions."
"Meanwhile, Kyrgyzstan and Hong Kong in our group are also quality teams. We need to study their data and form thoroughly, and try to prepare our team to be the best and most ready, especially regarding player selection."
"From various training camps, our staff continue to monitor all the players, including those who played with the senior Thailand team at the 2026 ASEAN Cup, as well as several players currently training with their clubs. The main focus is on their physical condition and fitness."
"We have preliminary plans for team building in each camp. We have submitted an initial list of players and will finalize the 23-man squad later. We are currently coordinating with the Football Association and clubs to secure players for the Asian Games competition."
"Of course, I believe our target must be set high; we want to advance as far as possible. The key now is to prepare thoroughly because facing the Asian champions Japan is a tough task, and Hong Kong and Kyrgyzstan are also challenging opponents. We must prepare well."
"Regarding players' fitness, I believe it is not a major concern since the competition starts at the beginning of the season, and players should be well-prepared. If we get all players as planned, after training camps, tactical understanding will improve significantly."
"To Thai football fans, I ask for your support and to follow the matches at the Asian Games in Nagoya. For those who can attend and cheer from the stands, it would be wonderful. We want you to join in encouraging all the players."
Men's football at the 2026 Asian Games (15 September – 3 October 2026) will feature 15 nations. The group draw results are as follows:
Group A - Japan (host), Thailand, Kyrgyzstan, Hong Kong
Group B - China, UAE, Iran, North Korea
Group C - Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Philippines, Kuwait
Group D - South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Qatar
