Can They Do It? Thailand U23's Qualification Conditions in the Asian Championship After Drawing with Iraq
On 11 Jan 2026 GMT+7, the qualification scenario for Thailand's U23 national team in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup 2026 in Saudi Arabia was outlined after they fought back to draw 1-1 with Iraq U23 in the Group D second group stage match.
Currently, Thailand U23 have 1 point from two matches—one loss (1-2 to Australia) and one draw (1-1 with Iraq). Coach Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul's squad still has a chance 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 have yet to win and only have 1 point from their first two games, their chances remain open. The only condition for them to reach the quarterfinals is to beat China U23, the group leaders.
If Thailand wins, they will equal China at 4 points but will advance immediately due to a superior head-to-head record, regardless of goal difference and the result of the Iraq vs. Australia match. Thailand would finish second in the group under any outcome.
Thailand U23's next match is against China U23 in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup 2026 Group D third group stage match at Al Shabab Club Stadium, Saudi Arabia, on 14 Jan 2026 GMT+7 at 18:30 Thai time, live on YouTube: BG SPORTS.