Thai Beach Soccer Team Targets Asian Cup Quarterfinals
Thailand's national beach soccer team is gearing up for the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup 2026 in Phang Nga, with manager Thaitan Rungrueang confident of a top-four finish. Coach Ek Settakorn Chuen-ta says the squad is 90% ready, with the final roster set for November 15. The tournament runs November 18-28 at Ban Nam Khem Beach Stadium, where Thailand opens against Iraq on November 18.
Thaitan Rungrueang, manager of Thailand's national beach soccer team, expressed confidence the squad will reach the top four at the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup Thailand 2026. The team is preparing for the tournament in Phang Nga province from November 18-28. Thaitan said recent warm-up matches show every player has the potential and determination to make the final 12-man roster, and that head coach Ek Settakorn Chuen-ta has systematically planned for each match. He also noted strong backing from sponsors and urged fans to attend matches to support the team.
Coach Ek stated the team is currently 90% ready, with remaining adjustments needed in finishing and defending against opponents who use a flying goalkeeper. One more friendly match is scheduled before the final squad of 12 is announced on November 15.
Phang Nga Governor Phrat Phetchayuan will also play in a friendly against the national team on November 11 to promote the event.
The AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup Thailand 2026 runs November 18-28 at Ban Nam Khem Beach Stadium (Anusorn Sathan) in Takua Pa district, Phang Nga. The 1,500-seat venue will host matches broadcast live on TrueVisions NOW, with free admission for spectators.
Group stage schedule (all times local): November 18: Japan vs Bahrain 17:00; Thailand vs Iraq 18:30 November 19: Iran vs Afghanistan 14:00; Oman vs Uzbekistan 15:30; Lebanon vs Vietnam 17:00; UAE vs Saudi Arabia 18:30 November 20: Iraq vs Japan 17:00; Bahrain vs Thailand 18:30 November 21: Afghanistan vs Lebanon 14:00; Uzbekistan vs UAE 15:30; Vietnam vs Iran 17:00; Saudi Arabia vs Oman 18:30 November 22: Bahrain vs Iraq 17:00; Thailand vs Japan 18:30 November 23: Iran vs Lebanon 14:00; Oman vs UAE 15:30; Vietnam vs Afghanistan 17:00; Saudi Arabia vs Uzbekistan 18:30
