The Thai women's football team made history by winning the bronze medal at the Special Olympics Football World Cup, also 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.
In addition to finishing third in the world, the Thai women's football team received two honorary awards: Outstanding Unified Team of the tournament and Outstanding Coach of the tournament.
The Special Olympics Unified Football competition allows athletes with intellectual disabilities, called “Special Athletes,” to compete alongside non-disabled players, known as “Unified Partners,” on the same team. This reflects the potential of individuals with intellectual disabilities, one of society’s most vulnerable groups, and promotes equality both on and off the field.
The historic Thai women's football team competing in the 7-a-side football category consisted of:
1. Ms. Yatika Watchawong, Unified Team Captain (Special Athlete)
2. Ms. Kaewalin Thammaniyom, Special Athlete
3. Ms. Piyamas Huajaipech, Special Athlete
4. Ms. Siriwimon Saetao, Special Athlete
5. Ms. Saithan Tina, Special Athlete
6. Ms. Ekchittra 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
The team was supported by Head Coach Ms. Chaowanee Phanlert, Coach Ms. Kanya Saree, Team Doctor Dr. Petai Sophasilp, Team Leader Mr. Chuchai Angkabkaew, and Team Director Dr. Rittirong Intrachinda.
The Unified Football World Cup is organized biennially by Special Olympics International to provide opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to develop and showcase their abilities publicly, while promoting acceptance and social inclusion.
This competition marked a historic milestone for Thailand's intellectual disability sports community: the Thai women's team was the only team from the Asia-Pacific region to participate, their first time at this global football event, finishing third and becoming one of the top three Unified women's football teams worldwide.
Furthermore, the Thai women's team was the only country to receive two special awards: 1) Unified Team of the Tournament, recognizing the players' teamwork on and off the field; and 2) Coach of the Tournament, honoring the coach's skill and leadership in inspiring 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.