Good news for the War Elephants: Thailand's national team receives positive updates ahead of their 2026 Asian Games quarterfinal clash with China.
On 25 Sep 2026, the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) held a managers' meeting before the men's football knockout stage of the 20th Asian Games 2026.
Representatives from the eight teams advancing to the knockout stage attended the meeting: Japan (host), Thailand, China, North Korea, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia. Also present were organizers, security officials, and other departments to finalize match details, including:
- Thailand's players will wear white kits, with goalkeepers in purple, for their match against China.
- China’s players will wear red kits, with goalkeepers in green.
- Teams are allowed up to five substitutions within three opportunities, excluding halftime.
- VAR will not be used in the quarterfinals; a follow-up meeting will determine future direction.
- New IFAB Laws of the Game for the 2026/27 season will be implemented immediately, covering throw-ins, goal kicks, injuries not caused by contact, substitutions, incidents during stoppages, and walkouts.
- Thailand has no suspended players; Thanakrit Chotmuangpak and Sitta Boonla have returned from suspension.
- China has one suspended player: their key forward Wang Yudong, who started all three group matches.
- Players with yellow cards will have these cleared after this match if they do not receive additional cautions.
Saturday, 26 Sep 2026
China vs. Thailand
13:00 Thailand time
Toyota Stadium, Aichi, Japan
Broadcast live on Thairath TV Channel 32 and AIS PLAY application.