Thai Football Team Shifts to Group E Before England Clash
Thai student footballers have been moved to Group E3 for the World School Football Championship in Suzhou, China, and will open their campaign against England on October 19. The team, led by Department of Physical Education official Paveena Sirisuttikul, aims to showcase Thai youth talent and gain international experience. The tournament features 47 teams from around the world, with group adjustments following withdrawals by Saudi Arabia and Tanzania.
On October 18, 2026, at the Suzhou Sports Center in Suzhou, People's Republic of China, Ms. Paveena Sirisuttikul, Director of the Foreign Affairs Division, Department of Physical Education, as head of the Thai student sports delegation, led the Thai student football team to the opening ceremony of the World School Football Championship. Ahead of their opening match against England Team 1, the ceremony was presided over by Mr. Selco Tanasakovich, President of the International School Sports Federation. The competition features 47 teams total—33 men's and 14 women's—from various countries, aiming to give youth athletes a chance to showcase their abilities, exchange experiences, and foster goodwill among young people worldwide. This is another important opportunity for the Thai delegation to demonstrate readiness and determination before competing to bring achievements and honor to Thailand. Moreover, the men's tournament has undergone group changes following withdrawals and recent adjustments: Brazil moved to Group G as a seeded team replacing withdrawing Saudi Arabia; Benin was placed in position B3 replacing Tanzania; and the Thai student team has been moved to Group E3 (replacing Mali), joining England (Team 1), Bulgaria (Team 2), and the Ireland team. The Thai student footballers will play their first match against England Team 1 on Monday, October 19, 2026, at 12:30 local time, which corresponds to 11:30 Thailand time.
