China Invites Thai National U-23 Football Team to Special Tournament

China has sent an invitation to the Thai men's under-23 football team to participate in a special four-team tournament in March. On January 30th, the Football Association of Thailand held a meeting to review the performance of the national U-23 team under head coach Thawatchai Damrongoontragoon, following their elimination in the first round of the 2026 Asian Championship. The team is simultaneously planning continuous preparations for the 20th Asian Games in Japan, scheduled for September-October. The meeting was attended by Dr. Chanvit Poochivit, Vice President of the association, along with head coach Thawatchai and the coaching staff. They prepared plans for the Asian Games, which conveniently falls during a FIFA international break. Coach Thawatchai requested the association to coordinate early with players' home clubs to secure their availability and create the best possible performance. The coaching staff will also divide responsibilities to track the form of both existing and new players, with plans to gather the team and prepare during the March FIFA break. According to reporters, China has invited the Thai national team to this four-team tournament, and if everything goes as planned, the Thai U-23 team is expected to participate.