The Thailand U23 football team is gearing up for the Doha Cup 2025, scheduled to take place from March 17 to March 26, 2025. The tournament will feature six nations, each fielding teams composed of players born after January 1, 2006. Thailand will compete against Australia, Croatia, the UAE, Egypt, and the host nation Qatar.
According to Matichon, the match schedule for the Thailand U23 team includes three key dates: on March 19, Thailand will face the UAE; on March 22, the team will meet Qatar; and on March 25, they will take on Croatia. While the exact venues and match times are yet to be confirmed, the anticipation surrounding this competition is palpable.
This tournament is considered instrumental for the Thailand U23 team's development, as it serves as part of their preparation for two significant upcoming events: the qualifying rounds for the 2026 AFC U23 Championship and the Southeast Asian Games, which Thailand is set to host later in December 2025. Coach Takayuki Nishigaya has highlighted the importance of these matches as valuable experience for the young players.
“We understand the importance of this tournament as part of our preparation for the upcoming AFC qualifiers and SEA Games,” said Nishigaya, underscoring the team’s commitment to competing at higher levels. The tournament format will see each team play three matches, with the standings determined by points accumulated. The tiebreaker criteria will include goal difference and fair play.
By participating in the Doha Cup 2025, Thailand aims not only to hone their skills but also to build synergy and momentum as they head toward the more competitive stages of the U23 Championship qualifiers later this year. The experience gained from international matches is invaluable and will undoubtedly contribute to the growth of the players involved, equipping them to face tougher opponents.
Nishigaya's strategy is centered on ensuring his players adapt to the competitive nature of international football, which is indicative of the growing emphasis on youth development within Thai football. The leadership recognizes the need to cultivate talent and prepare them for the challenges of upcoming tournaments.
With the stage set for the Doha Cup, all eyes will be on the Thailand U23 team as they step onto the field, hoping to make their mark and gather insights from this experience. The upcoming matches will not only serve as preparation for future competitions but also represent Thailand's commitment to elevizing its standing on the Asian football stage.