Japan U23 vs Thailand U23 Asian Games Preview
It is a battle for supremacy in Group A as Japan face Thailand in the football event at the 2026 Asian Games.
Both teams have already qualified, but the Samurai Blue will be counting on their solid record in this fixture and should have the upper hand over their rivals.
Key Stats
- Japan U23 have won their two Group A matches.
- Japan U23 have won seven of their last eight matches in all competitions.
- Japan U23 have won all three previous matches against Thailand U23.
- Thailand U23 are winless in four of their last six matches in all competitions.
Japan Always Superior
Japan have the upper hand in this fixture, winning all three previous matches against Thailand. The most recent meeting was an Asian U23 Championship clash in 2018, which ended 1-0 in favour of the Samurai Blue.
Japan Look Unstoppable
Japan are coming off a 7-0 victory over Kyrgyzstan in their previous fixture. Yudai Shimamoto netted a brace while Yumeki Yokoyama and Yuto Ozeki were also among the goals.
That was an impressive follow-up to the 2-0 victory over Hong Kong in their opening fixture. The two wins mean Go Oiwa’s team have now qualified for the quarter-finals but need to avoid defeat on Wednesday to guarantee top spot.
Japan have been the superior force at this level in recent times, and their showing at the Asian Games is a reflection of their overall form. They have won seven of their last eight matches in all competitions.
Solid Campaign for Thailand
Thailand were also victorious in their previous fixture, picking up a 5-1 win over Hong Kong. They fought back from behind, with Worawut Noisri netting a brace while Thanakrit Chotmuangpak and Jehhanafee Mamah were also on target.
Having also picked up a 3-2 victory over Kyrgyzstan in their opening fixture, Thailand have already qualified for the knockout stage. However, they are currently second in the table on goal difference and need a win on Wednesday to finish as Group A winners.
Manager Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul will be pleased to see Thailand get it together at the Asian Games as they had struggled in the build-up to the tournament. They were winless in their four matches prior to the big kick-off, suffering three defeats in this run.
Team News & Predicted Line-ups
Japan (4-2-3-1): Rui Araki; Rei Umeki, Shuto Nagano, Rion Ichihara, Kaito Tsuchiya; Yuto Ozeki, Yudai Shimamoto; Hitsatsugu Ishii, Yotaro Nakajima, Yumeki Yokoyama; Yutaka Michiwaki.
Japan are likely to make a few changes to the team, with Rion Ichihara and Hitsatsugu Ishii pushing for a start. Shimamoto should retain his place in midfield following his brace last time out, while Yokoyama is set to continue in attack.
Thailand (5-3-2): Phorawat Phosaman; Auttapon Sangtong, Pichitchai Sienkrathok, Chanapach Buaphan, Chanon Tamma, Phon-Ek Jensen; Sittha Boonlha, Worawut Noisri, Thanakrit Chotmuangpak; Jehhanafee Mamah, Paripan Wongsa.
Noisri could earn a start for Thailand after coming off the bench to net a brace last time out. Paripan Wongsa could also return to partner Mamah in attack, while Chanon Tamma should feature at the back.