Thailand take on China for Asian Games semi-final place

Thailand will face China in the quarter-finals of the men’s football competition at the 2026 Asian Games on Saturday (September 26), with a place in the last four at stake.

The match will kick off at 1pm Thailand time at Toyota Stadium in Aichi, Japan.

Thai fans can watch the match live on Thairath TV Channel 32 and the AIS PLAY application.

Thailand reached the quarter-finals after finishing second in Group A.

The Thai side played three group-stage matches, defeating Hong Kong and Kyrgyzstan before losing their final game to hosts Japan.

China advanced as Group B winners after beating North Korea and drawing their next two matches against Iran and the United Arab Emirates.

Thailand target place in semi-finals

Thailand striker Yotsakorn Burapha said the team’s immediate objective was to be fully prepared for the clash with China and secure a place in the semi-finals.

“My personal goal is to make sure we are as ready as possible to face China. We want to reach the semi-finals, so we will do everything we can to win,” Yotsakorn said.

“I want to help my team-mates and the coach as much as possible and contribute to a good performance from the team.”

He acknowledged that Thailand needed to improve defensively and work more closely as a unit.

“Of course, there are areas in our defence that we need to improve. Everyone in every position has to help each other and provide more support,” he said.

“I would also like to ask Thai fans in Japan to come and support us, and those in Thailand to cheer us on. We will try to get the victory against China.”

Yotsakorn added that he was physically ready and willing to play wherever coach Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul selected him.

“My body feels very ready. I really want to play and I am prepared to play in any position the coach asks me to. Wherever coach puts me, I will do my best.”

Jehhanafee confident Thailand can challenge China

Jehhanafee Mamah, another Thailand forward in the Asian Games squad, said the team had achieved its first objective by progressing from the group stage.

“In the previous three matches, our goal was to qualify for the next round and we managed to do that, even though the result in our final match was not what we wanted,” he said.

“Everyone in the team is now fully ready.”

Jehhanafee said Thailand’s preparations would focus on the tactical plan for China.

“For the game against China, we have to concentrate on training and see how Coach Wang plans the match. We hope we can win and get through the quarter-finals,” he said.

“I have played against China before. They are a good team, they have played together for a long time and they have quality. We hope we can compete with them.”

Having previously scored against China, Jehanafie said that experience had given him confidence both in himself and his team-mates.

“Scoring against them gives me confidence, and I also have confidence in my team-mates. Everyone believes in the team’s ability,” he said.

“I hope the fans will support us while watching the live broadcast, and anyone who can come to the stadium, we would love to see as many of you there as possible.”