The Japanese coach says Thailand U23 has an advantage by being able to adapt to the hot weather ahead of the 2026 Asian Games.
On 10 September 2026, updates on Thailand's national team in the 2026 Asian Games in Japan highlight men's football as a key interest. 'Coach Wang' Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul leads the team, which is grouped with host nation Japan.
Recently, Ko Oiwa, coach of Japan's national team, shared that Thailand holds an advantage, especially regarding climate adaptation.
Ko Oiwa stated, "The men's football tournament in Japan during the 2026 Asian Games takes place in late summer, so physical condition management is crucial. Thai players are accustomed to the heat, but players based in Europe who join late—since it's not a FIFA window at the start—may have less time to acclimate. If this happens, European-based players will have limited adjustment time before playing. It's important to be cautious about this."
Thailand's national team schedule for the 2026 Asian Games
#Matchday 1
16 September 2026
Thailand vs. Kyrgyzstan
14:00 Thailand time
Toyota Stadium, Aichi, Japan
#Matchday 2
20 September 2026
Hong Kong vs. Thailand
14:00 Thailand time
Toyota Stadium, Aichi, Japan
Live broadcast on: Thairath TV Channel 32
#Matchday 3
23 September 2026
Japan vs. Thailand
17:30 Thailand time
Toyota Stadium, Aichi, Japan
Live broadcast on: Thairath TV Channel 32