Thailand's U23 team faces a tough challenge from the first match, playing against Australia, who aims to win the championship and includes players from top European clubs, especially a young right-back from Manchester United. Coach Thawatchai stresses that Thailand still targets reaching the quarterfinals.
On 3 January 2025, Thailand's U23 national football team is preparing to compete in the final round of the 2026 AFC U23 Championship in Saudi Arabia, taking place from 6 to 24 January 2026. "Coach Thawatchai" Damrong-Ongtrakul leads the team, setting the goal to reach the quarterfinals.
Although the final tournament does not coincide with FIFA international windows, resulting in many clubs not releasing key players, causing Thailand to miss several core players from qualifiers and the SEA Games, Coach Thawatchai confirms the team is giving its all and views this competition both as a chance to achieve results and to build long-term foundations.
"We always have goals. When the players compete at the Asian level against teams like Australia, Iraq, or China, they gain many benefits, especially experience. But we do not neglect results; at minimum, we aim step-by-step to reach the quarterfinals first," Coach Thawatchai said.
The head coach admits the team has been more affected by the absence of key players than expected but remains confident in the potential of the newly called-up players.
"Initially, we expected to miss only 3–4 players, but about 8 of the starting 11 from qualifiers and the SEA Games are absent, which is quite impactful. However, we believe many new players are talented, and if they gain experience at the Asian level, they will become key players for this squad and some may even advance to the senior national team," he explained.
Coach Thawatchai also emphasizes the national team's long-term development approach, with the technical staff collecting performance data from every tournament to pass on to future generations and the senior national team.
"We strive to collect all statistics. Players who perform well will have their data shared with the next generation and the senior team, so it can be used in the future," he said.
Additionally, the absence of some players opens opportunities for many new players to step up and wear the national team jersey.
"Looking on the bright side, we've gained more national players. Many have been given opportunities, including from Buriram U21 and some returning players like Theeraphat Pruethong, who wasn't part of the SEA Games squad but returns now. They represent future national team resources," he noted.
Match schedule for Thailand U23 (Group D)
8 January 2026: Thailand vs. Australia at 18:30, Al Shabab Club Stadium
11 January 2026: Thailand vs. Iraq at 21:00, Prince Faisal bin Fahad Sports City Stadium
14 January 2026: Thailand vs. China at 18:30, Al Shabab Club Stadium
Opponent update: Australia
Australia's U23 national team is regarded as one of the favorites to win this tournament. Their 23-man squad includes several players active in Europe, such as James O'Veary, a promising right-back from Manchester United who has trained with the senior team; Jade Drew, a forward from TSV Hartberg in Austria; and Steven Hall, a goalkeeper from Brighton. Their clear goal is to win the AFC U23 Championship.
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