Thailand's campaign towards the 2026 World Cup and 2024 Asian Cup qualifiers will begin with two international friendlies, against Syria on March 26 and against the UAE on March 29, within the framework of FIFA Day (the day the World Football Federation allows national teams to freely gather players from clubs to perform international duties).
Madame Pang said: "I hope the players will try their best to show themselves. Although these are only two friendly matches, these matches will affect Thailand's score on the FIFA rankings."
Madame Pang announced that the Thai team is aiming for the 2026 World Cup and 2024 Asian Cup qualifying campaigns (Photo: Matichon).
"More importantly, the friendly matches with Syria and the UAE will be the warm-up for the Thai team for the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign taking place at the end of this year and the Asian Cup early next year," the female billionaire who is the head of the Thai team emphasized.
It is worth noting that Thailand always chooses high-level opponents to play friendly matches on FIFA Days, with the desire to improve its own level and international competition experience, aiming to reach out to Asia and the world of Thai football.
After FIFA Day in March, Thailand is scheduled to participate in the Central Asian and Middle East Football Cup, taking place in June, with the participation of several high-level teams including Russia, Iran and Uzbekistan.
Chanathip Songkrasin returned to the Golden Temple team in two friendly matches with Syria and UAE (Photo: Matichon).
Regarding the significance of the friendly matches against strong opponents, Madame Pang added: "We will try to make the most of the friendly matches, both in terms of testing the players and preparing for major tournaments. I believe Thai football fans will support us."
"In the past, coach Mano Polking has regularly watched matches in the Thai-League, so the list of 25 Thai players called this time, in my opinion, are the ones most ready for the team" - Madame Pang affirmed.
According to the list of 25 Thai players just called up for the two friendly matches with Syria and UAE, only 9 faces remain from the AFF Cup 2022. However, the most important players are still present, including Theerathon Bunmathan, Kritsada Kaman, Ekanit Panya, Thitiphan Puangchan, Suphanat Mueanta, with the addition of 2 very famous faces playing abroad including Chanathip Songkrasin and Supachok Sarachat (both returned from Japan).
Also related to the 2026 World Cup goal, Thailand has raised the issue of inviting the coach of Hoang Anh Gia Lai Club, Mr. Kiatisuk Senamuang, to become the Technical Director (GDKT) of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT).
List of 25 Thai players preparing for FIFA Day
Goalkeeper (3): Somporn Yot (Port Authority) Patiwat Khammai (Muangthong) Kamphon Pathomrakul (Ratchaburi)
Defenders (8): Elias Dolah, Supanan Burirat (Port Authority), Manuel Tom Beer, Peerapat Notechaiya (True Bangkok), Kritsada Kaman (Chonburi), Jakpan Praisuwan (BG Pathum), Theerathon Bunmathan (Buriram United), Nicholas Mickelson (OB Odense - Denmark)
Midfielders (11): Chanathip Songkrasin (Kawasaki Frontale - Japan), Supachok Sarachat (Consadole Sapporo - Japan), Worachit Kanitsribampen, Pathomphon Charoenrattanapirom (Port Authority), Peered Nay Chamrasamee (Buriram United), Thitiphan Puangchan, Decade Limwansathien (True Bangkok), Weerathep Pomphan, Picha Utra, Ekanit Panya (Muangthong), Chanukul Karin (Police Tero).
Forwards (3): Supachai Jaided, Suphanat Mueanta (Buriram United), Poramet Artwilai (Muang Thong)
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