10-11-2023 (BANGKOK) The Thai national football team, known as the War Elephants, has commenced their training camp as they gear up for two crucial World Cup qualifiers. Thailand is set to face China on November 16 in a home match, followed by an away game against Singapore on November 21. These matches mark the beginning of Asia’s second qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup.
Group C, in which Thailand competes, also includes the formidable South Korean team. The top two teams from each of the nine groups will advance to the next round of qualifications.
Coach Mano Polking has called up a total of 26 players for the national camp, with 17 of them reporting to Novotel Bangkok Future Park Rangsit in Pathum Thani. Among the players present are notable names such as Chanathip Songkrasin, Teerasil Dangda, Sarach Yooyen, and Phitiwat Sukjitthammakul from BG Pathum United. BG Pathum United recently faced a 4-2 defeat against Kawasaki Frontale in the AFC Champions League in Japan.
Three players from Buriram United, Theerathon Bunmathan, Pansa Hemviboon, and Supachai Chaided, will join the national team later after contributing to their club’s 1-0 victory over Melbourne City in the ACL.
Unfortunately, Bangkok United star Rungrath Poomchanthuek has withdrawn from the squad due to injury. He has been replaced by Channarong Promsrikaew from Chonburi. Both Channarong and his teammate Kritsada Kaman are expected to join the national team after their match against Sukhothai in the Thai League 1 on Friday.
Coach Polking will eventually trim the squad down to 23 players before the match against China.
Notably, captain Chanathip did not participate in this year’s King Cup tournament on home soil, nor did he feature in the recent warm-up matches in Europe. However, the talented playmaker expressed confidence ahead of the World Cup qualifiers, citing his two goals against Kawasaki as a boost to his morale. “I am fully prepared for the World Cup qualifiers, and I am injury-free. My goal is to contribute to Thailand’s victory,” stated Chanathip.
Chanathip further emphasized the importance of defeating both China and Singapore. While acknowledging China’s strength, he stressed that there is no need to fear them. As for Singapore, he highlighted their quality players, including the Fandi brothers, Iksan and Irfan, who play for BG Pathum United. Chanathip emphasized the need to respect Singapore as opponents and expressed the team’s determination to secure victories in both matches.
