We're entering the "FIFA Day" period again for the "War Elephants," Thailand's national football teams in various age groups.
These include the youngest, the Thailand U17 youth team, and the energetic War Elephants U23 team.
As well as the senior Thailand national team, scheduled to compete in the 52nd King's Cup in Sisaket Province on 14 and 17 Nov 2026.
The Thairath Sport column will cover the King's Cup team in the next edition since their matches start later than the others.
Today, we'll present the upcoming match schedules for the two younger War Elephants teams first.
Starting with the Thailand U23 national team, led by Coach Wang Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul, who recently extended his contract with the Football Association of Thailand for another year.
This young national squad is beginning preparations for the 2028 Olympic qualifiers.
They have been invited to participate in the U23 GIA LAI - VTV CUP 2026 International Friendly tournament.
This takes place in Gia Lai city, Vietnam, from 10-14 November this year.
Coach Wang called up key players from the 2026 Asian Games squad in Nagoya, including Jehanafi Mama and Priphat Wongsa.
Also included is the in-form forward from Ratchaburi, Eric Pongsakon Sangkhapopa, who was summoned to score goals for this national team.
All 23 players named for the Young Turks team face a tight schedule.
They must report at Don Mueang Airport on Monday morning before flying to Vietnam.
They will have only one light training session in the evening.
On Tuesday, 10 Nov, they will play their opening match against host Vietnam at 7:00 p.m.
Their second match is on Thursday, 12 Nov, against Qatar at 3:00 p.m., followed by the third match against Singapore on Saturday, 14 Nov, at 3:00 p.m.
All matches will be broadcast live for Thai fans on Thairath TV Channel 32 and at www.thairath.co.th/tv/live.
Also live on Facebook: Thairath TV (ThairathTV), Thairath Sport (ไทยรัฐสปอร์ต), YouTube: Thairath Sport, and the TrueVisions Now app.
The other young national team to watch closely is the War Elephants Juniors, the U17 squad.
They face a major challenge in the AFC U17 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2027 Qualifiers.
From 8-20 Nov 2026 at Buriram City Stadium (Khao Kradong Stadium), Buriram Province.
The Thailand U17 team remains the highest hope to secure a ticket to the FIFA U17 World Cup final tournament.
Under the Football Association of Thailand led by Madam Pang Nualphan Lamsam,
the first two squads coached by "Serdej" Jadet Meelarp and German coach Marco Gockel,
both fell short of reaching the Asian quarterfinals to advance to the World Cup.
Therefore, for this generation, the association has addressed the weaknesses that affected the previous two squads to strengthen this team fully.
They appointed “Coach X” Wasaphon Kaewpholuk, a young and energetic coach, to lead the team.
New players have joined after multiple selection camps, culminating in the final 23 best players of this age group.
Notably, four mixed-heritage players playing abroad have been called up to reinforce the squad, drawing considerable attention.
Among them is defender Martin Anan Watts, a Thai-Australian from Melbourne Victory FC, known as a tough center-back.
Maron Lamin Müller, a Thai-German striker from FC Winterthur, stands 188 cm tall.
He is skilled at scoring, with his height giving an advantage for headed goals.
Kelly Prez Aves Kelly Kougu, a Thai-Ivorian forward from Debsirin School, is the son of Henri Joel, a former Thai League defender.
He is a fast, skillful dribbler and the only mixed-heritage player previously capped in the Thailand U16 ASEAN Championship 2026 team.
The team's key weapon is “TJ” Thomas Junior Tai Schmitt, a Thai-German playmaker from TSG 1899 Hoffenheim.
Raised in Thailand before playing in Germany, he excels both as a defensive and attacking midfielder.
Additionally, "Warm-up" Pasawat Wongsa, a rising midfielder from FC Seoul in South Korea,
and son of "Coach Mai" Panupong Wongsa, former Thailand national team and Muangthong United defender, strengthens this squad.
The U17 War Elephants' match schedule is as follows:
Wednesday, 11 Nov 2026: Thailand vs. Chinese Taipei; Saturday, 14 Nov 2026: Thailand vs. Maldives;
Tuesday, 17 Nov 2026: Thailand vs. Hong Kong; Friday, 20 Nov 2026: Thailand vs. Iraq.
All matches kick off at 7:00 p.m. and will be broadcast on YouTube: BG SPORTS.
Fans wishing to watch live at the stadium can attend for free.
However, they must register at https://buriram-city-supporter.netlify.app/...
The tournament's challenge is that Thailand must win their group to advance.
Only the group champion will qualify for the final round of the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2027 in Uzbekistan mid-next year.
Will the young Thai players open the first door to the 2027 World Cup once again?
Let's keep cheering and supporting them!
- Bee Bangpakong -