War Elephants gain praise
THE THAILAND MEN’S football team received extensive praise after they deservedly earned a 1-1 draw with Group C favourites South Korea on Mar 21 in the second round of Asia qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup.
The War Elephants, ranked 101st in the world, earned the point against 22nd ranked South Korea in Seoul when substitute Suphanat Mueanta scored a second-half equaliser after South Korea captain Son Heung-min had put the hosts ahead just before the break.
The match grabbed national attention, with many messages on social media praising the well-disciplined performances of the players under Japanese coach Masatada Ishii.
“Thank you for the valuable one point that brings happiness to Thais,” Football Association of Thailand (FAT) president Nualphan Lamsam posted on her Facebook account.
“All Korean players are top class. Ishii has led Thailand’s football to another level,” one commenter wrote on the FAT Facebook page.
“It's up to the next match whether we can keep this momentum. Another point from South Korea in Thailand would give the Thai team a chance to move to the next round,” another commented.
The draw left Thailand second in Group C on goal difference from China, who squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 at Singapore, also on Mar 19.
The top two finishers in each of the nine groups advance to the next phase of qualifying, where Asia’s eight guaranteed qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico will be determined.
War Elephants coach Ishii credited his players’ belief and confidence after the 1-1 draw in Seoul and ahead of the return leg on Mar 26.
“The players had the belief. We had the strength and capability to succeed in this match,” he commented after the match.
“We have the next game against South Korea coming up, so our focus is on preparing the team for that match.”
At time of press, the return leg was scheduled for Tuesday (Mar 26) at Rajamangala National Stadium, Bangkok.