United support for Thai footballers at the 2026 Asian Games.
The countdown begins to Asia's premier sporting event, the 2026 Asian Games.
Set to open on the samurai land in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, from 19 September to 4 October 2026 (CE).
Before the official opening ceremony, starting next week, many team sports will begin their competitions.
Naturally, the focus for our football fans will be on the match schedules of both the men's and women's Thai national football teams.
Recently, the Thai women's football squad has arrived in Japan ahead of their opening match this Monday.
The Chaba Kaew team for the 2026 Asian Games is led by Coach Alfred Netipong Srithong-in, a legendary Thai national team striker from the 1990s.
He is building the future of Thai women's football with determination alongside Coach Nueng Nuengrit Sarongvien.
They started strong by winning the FIFA Series in Ratchaburi and a warm-up tournament in Myanmar, raising Coach Alfred's profile among fans.
The Asian Games in Nagoya this time is a significant challenge!
The Thai women's team was drawn in Group E with hosts Japan, Chinese Taipei, and Vietnam, all of whom have higher FIFA rankings.
Coach Alfred stated the goal for the Asian Games is to develop our players by facing stronger teams for the national team's future.
He believes that if players gain better game understanding during this tournament, good results will naturally follow.
The group stage schedule for the Thai women's team is as follows:
Starting Monday, 14 September, they face Japan, the host, at 17:30 Thai time (live on PPTV HD 36).
The second match is on Thursday, 17 September, against Chinese Taipei at 14:00 Thai time (live on MCOT HD 30).
The third match is Monday, 21 September, versus Vietnam at 17:30 Thai time (live on MCOT HD 30).
From the group stage, the group winners, runners-up, and the two best third-place teams from three groups will advance to the knockout rounds.
This Chaba Kaew squad may not be the strongest ever but has played together in several tournaments.
Therefore, the chance to reach the knockout stage remains, but every game must be played with precision.
Especially in the two key matches against Chinese Taipei and Vietnam, securing points is essential to continue.
As for the men's national football team, coached by 'Coach Wang' Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul, they have undergone continuous training camps since early this year.
The team has decided not to include any over-23 players in their squad.
Meanwhile, two key forwards, 'Golf' Seksan Ratri and 'Seafour' Kakana Kamyok, were not called up as they are committed to the senior national team.
However, Coach Wang has confidence in the potential of the young players who remain.
Many of these players recently gained experience as part of the Thai team that finished runners-up in the 2026 ASEAN Cup.
Players like Usama Tiangkham, Jehanafi Mama, Chawanwit Saelao, and Pichitchai Siakrotok have been included.
Along with 'Mix' Yossakorn Burapha, the team's main striker.
He will have a tough schedule balancing the Asian Games and Thai League matches for Chonburi.
Joining them are key national team players such as 'Jao Nuea' Thanakrit Chotmuangpak, Sitta Bunla, Chanon Thamma.
Chanphat Buapan, Nathan James, Phon-ek Maneekorn, and goalkeeper Sarawat Phosaman.
Also included is 'Jao Ban' Thanawut Phochai, a Thai forward who recently played in Japan's J3 League with SC Sagamihara this season.
This squad seems capable of reaching the set goal of advancing as far as possible.
Or even reaching the semifinals as their predecessors did four times (in 1990, 1998, 2002, and 2014).
The men's national football team Asian Games match schedule is as follows:
Wednesday, 16 September, vs. Kyrgyzstan at 14:00 Thai time (live on ONE HD 31).
Sunday, 20 September, vs. Hong Kong at 14:00 Thai time (live on Thairath TV Channel 32).
Wednesday, 23 September, vs. Japan at 17:30 Thai time (live on Thairath TV Channel 32).
As a player, Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul made his name famously at the 1998 Asian Games.
He scored a memorable free-kick that defeated South Korea at Rajamangala Stadium.
That moment remains vivid in the memory of Thai people nationwide.
Now, as 'Coach Wang' steps up as head coach for the 2026 Asian Games national team,
we await to see what new achievements he will bring to Thai football.
Stay tuned!!!
- Bee Bangpakong -