The Thai women's football team made history by winning the bronze medal at the Special Olympics World Cup, along with receiving two honorary awards.
The Thai Unified Special Olympics women's football team made history at the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup 2026 in Paris, France, advancing to the bronze medal match in Division 1 and defeating Slovakia in a penalty shootout after a 4–4 draw in regular time.
Beyond securing third place globally, the Thai women's football team also earned two honorary awards: the Outstanding Unified Team Award and the Outstanding Coach Award for the tournament.
The Special Olympics Unified football competition allows athletes with intellectual disabilities, known as "special athletes," to compete alongside non-disabled players, or "Unified partners," on the same team. This reflects the potential of individuals with intellectual disabilities, one of the most vulnerable groups in society, and promotes equal collaboration both on and off the field.
The historic Thai women's football team competing in the 7-a-side category consists of:
1. Ms. Yatika Watchawong, Unified team captain (special athlete).
2. Ms. Kaewalin Thammaniyom, special athlete.
3. Ms. Piyamas Huaiphet, special athlete.
4. Ms. Siriwimon Saetao, special athlete.
5. Ms. Saithan Tina, special athlete.
6. Ms. Ekjitra Kongtako, goalkeeper (special athlete).
7. Ms. Thidathip Pankaew, Unified team captain (Unified partner).
8. Ms. Natthathida Somchat, Unified partner.
9. Ms. Noppakao Pornpipat, Unified partner.
10. Ms. Saowapak Naksanit, Unified partner.
They were supported by head coach Ms. Chaownee Phanlert, coach Ms. Kanya Saree, team doctor Dr. Petai Sophasilp, team leader Mr. Chuchai Angabkaew, and team director Dr. Rittirong Intarajinda.
The Unified Football World Cup is organized biennially by Special Olympics International to provide opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to develop and showcase their talents to the public, while promoting acceptance and social inclusion.
In this competition, the Thai women's football team made a significant milestone for Thailand's sports scene for people with intellectual disabilities by:
Being the only women's football team from the Asia-Pacific region to participate.
Competing in this world football event for the first time.
Achieving third place and becoming one of the top three Unified women's football teams worldwide.
Additionally, the Thai women's team was the only country to receive two special awards:
1. Unified Team of the Tournament, recognizing the team's unity and cooperation both on and off the field.
2. Coach of the Tournament, honoring the coach's skill, leadership, and inspirational role for the team.
Results of the Unified Football World Cup 2026 Paris:
Women's 7-a-side category:
1st place Guatemala, 2nd place Costa Rica, 3rd place Thailand.
Men's 11-a-side category:
1st place Libya, 2nd place Jamaica, 3rd place Paraguay.
Paraguay will host the Unified Football World Cup 2028.