Calling 'high-quality' stars from abroad, Coach Polking is confident that the Thai team will beat China

Coach Polking has announced the list of 26 players for the Thai national team to prepare for the second qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup in Asia. In this November training session, the former coach of Ho Chi Minh City Club has called up stars playing abroad such as Suphanat Mueanta (OH Leuven Club, Belgium), Ekanit Panya (Urawa Red Diamonds Club, Japan), Supachoke Sarachat (Consadole Sapporo Club, Japan). The Thai national team will start training from November 9.

"We have about a week to prepare. That is a reasonable amount of time. But some players like Ekanit Panya, Supachoke Sarachat and Suphanat Mueanta will join the team later, because they still have to play for their clubs at the weekend. In addition, for the players competing in the AFC Champions League, they will also be present a little later. The Thai team will have full strength 3 to 5 days before the first match, no problem," coach Polking revealed.

Gọi sao 'xịn' từ nước ngoài, HLV đội tuyển Thái Lan tự tin thắng Trung Quốc - Ảnh 1. — Thai football prodigy Suphanat Muaenta (born in 2002) has played 2 matches for OH Leuven Club (Belgium)

In Group C of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Thailand will face China, Singapore and South Korea. Because South Korea is so superior, the "War Elephants" will aim for second place in the group to advance to the 3rd qualifying round. To do this, the Golden Temple team needs to have a good record against direct competitor China.

The Thai team will play their opening match in the second qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup against China, at Rajamangala Stadium at 7:30 p.m. on November 16. Facing an opponent 33 places higher than him in the FIFA rankings (79 compared to 112), coach Polking is still confident in the ability of the Thai team: "My coaching staff and I have analyzed the Chinese team. They are a strong team. But I am sure that if the Thai team can implement the right tactics, plus the home field advantage, we will win. I believe that the Thai players can do it."

Gọi sao 'xịn' từ nước ngoài, HLV đội tuyển Thái Lan tự tin thắng Trung Quốc - Ảnh 2. — Coach Polking is confident that the Thai team has a chance to beat China.

The Thai team aims to win all 6 points after the first 2 matches in the 2nd qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup. After the opening match against the Chinese team (November 16), the "War Elephants" will visit the Singapore team on November 21.

Source link