Thailand U23 Football Team Falls to Vietnam in GIA LAI – VTV CUP 2026 Opener
Thailand's U23 national team suffered a 0-3 defeat against Vietnam in their opening match of the GIA LAI – VTV CUP 2026 international friendly tournament.
On November 10, 2026, the Thailand U23 national football team began their campaign in the GIA LAI – VTV CUP 2026 international friendly tournament with a 0-3 loss to Vietnam at Pleiku Stadium. Despite the unfavorable result, head coach Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul, known as 'Coach Wang,' praised his players for their fighting spirit and collective effort throughout the match.
Coach Wang noted that the current squad consists largely of players who are new to the national team setup. While the team's performance is still being evaluated, he expressed pride in their determination to support one another in both offensive and defensive transitions. He emphasized that with more time to train and play together, the squad is expected to show significant improvement in future matches.
For residents and visitors following the tournament, this match marks the beginning of a series of international friendlies. The Thai team is scheduled to face Qatar in their next fixture on November 12, 2026. While the initial result was disappointing, the tournament serves as a developmental platform for these young athletes. Further updates on the team's progress and the final standings of the GIA LAI – VTV CUP 2026 will be confirmed as the competition continues.
