Thailand hosts Singapore on Tuesday night, knowing that a win may not be enough to advance if China defeats South Korea in their last second-round Asian qualifier for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Despite a 1-1 draw away to China on Thursday, Thailand is still on track to finish second in Group C, three points behind second-placed China.
Even if China loses to South Korea’s Son Heung-Min, Thailand may still miss out on a spot in the Asian qualifiers’ third and final stage, which includes 18 teams.
After five matches, the Chinese have a +1 goal difference, while the Thais have a -2.
Thailand will be motivated to offer their best, but they may meet stiff opposition from a Singapore team looking to make amends after allowing seven goals against South Korea.
Thailand coach Masatada Ishii and goalkeeper Patiwat Khammai told a press conference on Monday that the outcome of the China-South Korea game will also have a significant impact on their prospects of moving from Group C.
“After the game against China, our situation looks quite difficult because we have to consider the outcome of the other match as well,” stated the 57-year-old Japanese coach.
“Of course, we must win against Singapore, but the game between South Korea and China should go our way.
“We want to score as many goals as possible against Singapore, so we’re focused on our aggressive game. We must not concede any goals, either.”
Regarding the Thai match starting later than the South Korea-China game, Ishii stated, “We must focus on our game rather than such stuff. We should focus on how we play initially.”
When questioned about experienced attacker Teerasil Dangda and playmaker Chanathip Songkrasin’s prospects of facing Singapore, Ishii replied, “This issue was also addressed before the last game. The answer is that both players are part of the 23-person roster, therefore they have a chance to participate.
Patiwat stated, “Every player is prepared and looking forward to the game.”
“I will try not to concede any goal during this match because it could have a big impact on the goal difference and affect our chances of qualifying for the next phase.”
The match at Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium will begin at 7.30 p.m. and will be broadcast live by Thai Rath TV (32).
In addition to Qatar and South Korea, Japan, Oman, Iran, Uzbekistan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UAE, Bahrain, Australia, and Palestine have also advanced to the final qualifying round.
