Thailand faces China, looking to make first World Cup appearance

In a pivotal match for Thailand’s national football team, the stakes are high as they face China tonight in a bid to keep their 2026 World Cup hopes alive. Committee member of the Football Association of Thailand, Piyapong Pue-on expressed confidence in the team’s ability to secure a vital victory.

Currently positioned third in Group C with four points from four games, aptly nicknamed the War Elephants, the Thai squad is determined to avenge their previous loss to China and bolster their chances of advancing to the next qualifying round.

However, a win for second-placed China would not only solidify their progression but also dash Thailand’s aspirations of making an inaugural FIFA World Cup appearance.

Acknowledging the significance of the upcoming clash, Piyapong emphasised the team’s readiness despite a few injury concerns. He conveyed the players’ determination to claim victory for their nation and highlighted the strategic preparations made by head coach Masatada Ishii to secure a win on Chinese soil.

“The Thai players are fired up to beat China and take all three points for the country.”

Yet, Piyapong cautioned that China’s lineup has been bolstered by the addition of several naturalised foreign players since their previous encounter. Nonetheless, he expressed confidence in Thailand’s resilience, emphasising their strong physical and mental attitude as they prepare to face the formidable Chinese side.

South Korea currently leads Group C with 10 points, meanwhile, Singapore closes off the bottom of the charts with just 1 point, tonight’s match is crucial for both Thailand and China.

A win for Thailand would bring them level on points with China before their showdown against Singapore, while China is poised to face a challenging match against South Korea in their last fixture.

The outcome of tonight’s match will significantly impact the standings in Group C, with only the top two teams advancing to the third round of qualifiers, a step closer to solidifying their positions in the 2026 World Cup.

The showdown between China and Thailand is scheduled to kick off at the Shenyang Olympic Sports Centre Stadium in China at 7pm (Thailand time), with live coverage available on Thairath TV, reported The Nation.