Thailand U23 faces a tough challenge from the very first match, playing against Australia, who are aiming for the championship and have players from top European clubs, especially a young right-back from Manchester United. Meanwhile, Coach Wang emphasized that Thailand is still focused on reaching the quarterfinals.
On 3 January 2025, the Thailand U23 national football team is set to compete in the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup final tournament in Saudi Arabia, taking place from 6 to 24 January 2026. The team is led by head coach Wang Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul, with the goal of advancing to the quarterfinals.
Although the final tournament does not coincide with a FIFA international window, causing several clubs to withhold their key players, resulting in Thailand missing many core players from qualifiers and the SEA Games, Coach Wang affirmed that the team is still fully committed and views this competition as both a performance challenge and a chance to build a long-term foundation.
“We have a goal every time our players reach the Asian level. Facing teams like Australia, Iraq, or China provides many benefits, especially in experience. But we do not neglect results; at least, we aim step by step, starting with reaching the quarterfinals,” Coach Wang said.
The head coach admitted the team was more affected by the absence of key players than expected but remains confident in the potential of the newly called-up players.
“Initially, we expected to miss only 3–4 players, but about eight main starters from the qualifiers and SEA Games are unavailable, which has a significant impact. However, we believe many of the new players have the ability, and if they gain exposure at the Asian level, they will likely become core players for this squad in the future, and some may even progress to the senior national team.”
Coach Wang also highlighted the national team's long-term development approach, with the technical staff collecting performance data on players from every tournament to pass on to future generations and the senior team.
“We strive to record all statistics. Players who perform well will have their data passed on to the next generation and the senior team so it can be used in the future.”
Additionally, the absence of some players has opened opportunities for many newcomers to step up and wear the national team jersey.
“Looking on the bright side, we have more national team players now. Many have been given chances, including some from Buriram U21, as well as players returning like Theeraphat Prueathong, who was not part of the SEA Games squad but is back this time. They are considered future assets of the national team.”
Match schedule: Thailand U23 (Group D)
8 January 2026: Thailand vs. Australia, 18:30, Al Shabab Club Stadium
11 January 2026: Thailand vs. Iraq, 21:00, Prince Faisal bin Fahad Sports City Stadium
14 January 2026: Thailand vs. China, 18:30, Al Shabab Club Stadium
Opponent update: Australia
The Australia U23 national team is considered one of the favorites to win this tournament. Their 23-player squad includes several European-based players, such as James O'Veary, a young right-back from Manchester United who has trained with the senior squad; Jade Drew, a forward from TSV Hartberg in Austria; and Steven Hall, a goalkeeper from Brighton. Their clear goal is to win the AFC U23 Asian Cup.
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