FOOTBALL: Somyot Poompunmuang, the Soccer Affiliation of Thailand (FAT) president, is aiming for the nationwide aspect to win the nation’s first ever Fifa World Cup berth on the 2026 finals.
Nualphan Lamsam (left) and Somyot Poompunmuang throughout a gathering yesterday (Aug 17). Picture: Bangkok Put up
He additionally targets an Olympic spot for the U23 aspect at Paris 2024, experiences the Bangkok Post.
In a uncommon look over the previous few months, Somyot yesterday met Nualphan Lamsam, supervisor of the Thai senior and U23 sides, to debate methods to enhance the nationwide groups.
The 2026 World Cup, to be held within the US, Canada and Mexico, will function a rise within the variety of taking part groups from 32 to 48.
Thailand can have the next probability of constructing their first World Cup look as Asia will get 8+1 spots at the 2026 finals, up from four+1 for the 2022 match.
“The 2026 World Cup is an effective alternative for Thailand to play within the finals because of a rise within the variety of groups,” he stated.
“We even have plans for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.”
Other than incomes locations on the two occasions, the FAT additionally has a long-term growth plan, he stated.
From now, Thailand is not going to use overage gamers for the U23 aspect, Somyot stated.
The U23 crew might be busy subsequent 12 months with a number of tournaments together with the SEA Video games, Asian Video games and U23 Asian Cup qualifying spherical.
As for the senior aspect, they are going to play in a four-team pleasant match in Chiang Mai subsequent month that includes Thailand, Malaysia, Tajikistan and Trinidad and Tobago.
The Struggle Elephants will even defend the Asean title in December.
