Thailand vs India

Thailand vs. India: Familiar Rivals Clash in Crucial Asian Cup Warm-Up

This midweek, Thailand and India will renew their rivalry in an international friendly at Thammasat Stadium in Pathum Thani—a key tune-up before both teams dive into their Asian Cup qualifiers next week.

With 26 previous meetings, history favors Thailand, who hold a 12-7 edge in wins (seven draws). But recent form could add a fresh twist to this encounter.

Under Japanese coach Masatada Ishii, who took charge in December 2023, Thailand has surged up the FIFA rankings, climbing 14 spots in 18 months. Ishii made an instant impact, guiding the War Elephants to the Asian Cup’s Round of 16 just a month into his tenure. However, World Cup qualification slipped away as they finished third in their group behind China and South Korea.

Now, Thailand shifts focus to their upcoming Asian Cup qualifier against Turkmenistan, hoping to extend their perfect start after a 1-0 win over Sri Lanka in March. Aiming for their ninth Asian Cup appearance, Thailand has shown steady progress—reaching the knockout stages in the last two editions (13th in 2023). Though their best run was in 1972, their recent form, including a runner-up finish in the 2024-25 ASEAN Championship (a tournament they’ve won seven times), proves they remain a regional force.

India, meanwhile, returns to Thailand for the third time in six years, having previously featured in the 2019 and 2023 King’s Cup. The Blue Tigers’ last meeting with Thailand was a memorable 1-0 win in the 2019 King’s Cup bronze-medal match—a result they’ll hope to replicate in their first-ever clash in Pathum Thani.

New head coach Manolo Marquez, fresh off guiding FC Goa to the Kalinga Super Cup title, is fine-tuning his squad for their pivotal Group C Asian Cup qualifier against Hong Kong on June 10. India warmed up with two domestic friendlies in Kolkata, defeating Santosh Trophy winners Bengal (2-1) and North 24 Parganas (3-0)—a confidence boost before this tougher test.

With both teams eyeing momentum ahead of crucial qualifiers, this friendly promises more than just a casual run-out. Expect sparks when these old rivals collide.