Can Thailand U23 qualify? Conditions to advance for the Thailand U23 national team in the AFC U23 Asian Cup after drawing with Iraq.
On 11 January 2026, the qualification conditions for the Thailand U23 national team in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup 2026 held in Saudi Arabia were outlined after they came from behind to draw 1-1 with the Iraq U23 team in the Group D second group stage match.
Currently, Thailand U23 has 1 point from two games—a 1-2 loss to Australia and a 1-1 draw with Iraq—keeping coach Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul's team in contention to advance by finishing in the top two of Group D.
1. China 4 points
2. Australia 3 points
3. Iraq 2 points
4. Thailand 1 point
Although Thailand U23 has yet to win and has only 1 point from two matches, their chances remain open. The sole condition to turn things around and reach the quarterfinals is to beat the group leader, China U23.
If Thailand wins, they will also have 4 points, tying with China, but will advance immediately due to a superior head-to-head record. This means goal difference and the result of the Iraq vs. Australia match won't matter, as Thailand will finish second in the group regardless.
Thailand U23's next match is against China U23 in the third group stage match of the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026, held at Al Shabab Club Stadium, Saudi Arabia, on 14 January 2026 at 18:30 Thai time, broadcast live on YouTube via BG SPORTS.
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