It's unfortunate that Thailand's U20 national team will be without one prominent overseas player for the AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers, while the status of two others remains uncertain.
On 11 August 2026, coach Bo Jakrapan Panpi, head coach of Thailand's U20 national team, shared the latest updates ahead of the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers, scheduled from 31 August to 6 September 2026 in Chonburi province, Thailand.
Thailand's U20 team is placed in Group F alongside Iraq, UAE, and Turkmenistan. The qualifiers will be round-robin format, with group winners from eight groups and the seven best runners-up qualifying for the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 in China early 2027. From there, four teams will represent Asia at the 2027 FIFA U20 World Cup in Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan.
Recently, coach Bo Jakrapan Panpi confirmed on Thairath Sport's "Clear Rim Sen" program that winger Theerapat Prueathong, a rising star, will definitely not join Thailand's U20 for the Asian Cup qualifiers because he is a key player for Consadole Sapporo in Japan's J2 League, and the club has refused to release him.
Additionally, Thailand's U20 team is still awaiting the futures of two key players: Ittimon Tipnet, who reportedly has reached a loan agreement to join Consadole Sapporo from BG Pathum United for one season after impressing during training with the club, though no official signing has been announced yet.
The other is goalkeeper Poomrapee Siribunyakul from Kashima Gakuen High School, who helped his team finish runner-up in the 104th Japanese High School National Football Championship. He is currently deciding on his professional club, amid interest and offers from J1 League clubs, and has been given opportunities to trial with various teams.
All matches of Thailand's U20 team in the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers will be broadcast live on Thairath TV, Channel 32.
