Jirapong Chaemsakul reveals the factors behind the Thailand U-19 national football team’s chances of beating Australia to win the 2026 ASEAN Championship.
On 12 June 2026, Jirapong Chaemsakul, defender for the Thailand U-19 national football team from Ban Bueng FC, shared the key factors that give the team a shot at defeating the Australia U-19 national football team to claim the title at the 2026 ASEAN U19 Boys' Championship.
Looking back at the semifinals, the Thailand U-19 team, led by Coach Bo Jakraphan Panpi, defeated Cambodia 4-0, while Australia U-19 beat Indonesia 1-0 to advance to the final. For Thailand U-19, this marks their first chance to win the championship in nine years since their last title in 2017.
Recently, Jirapong Chaemsakul said, "I feel happy to have achieved our goal of reaching the final. I want to thank all my teammates for their cooperation and the coach for the opportunity. Although I have played full 90 minutes in every match so far, I still have areas to improve."
"Australia’s players are physically strong, especially in defense. We have to win the battles for the ball first, make it as difficult as possible for them to play, and stay focused throughout the match. I believe the key reason we reached the final is our teamwork and mutual support in every game. I ask Thai fans to cheer for us; we will give our best."
The Thailand U-19 national team will face Australia in the final of the 2026 ASEAN U19 Boys' Championship on 13 June 2026 at 20:15 Thai time, held at Sumatra Utara Main Stadium in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia.
This tournament serves as part of the preparation for Thailand’s U-19 men’s football team ahead of the 2027 AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers, scheduled from 31 August to 6 September 2026.