Thailand U15 Team Completes First Training Session in Baku

The Thailand under-15 men’s national football team completed their first training session on October 22 at 12:45 local time at the Hofsan Competition Complex in Baku, Azerbaijan, preparing for the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026, matichon.co.th reported.

Conditions and Training Focus in Baku

The squad arrived in Azerbaijan to face cold weather conditions following nearly two weeks of domestic preparation. The training session spanned approximately one hour, with the primary objective centering on physical and environmental acclimatization alongside tactical reviews established during the training camp. Captain Panjamon Sangchuy noted the physical stature of international opponents during early gatherings and emphasized team cohesion.

According to dailynews.co.th, the tournament features 194 participating national associations. Organized by FIFA, the competition adopts an innovative 8-a-side format designed to reduce competitive pressure and maximize player participation. Matches consist of two 20-minute halves played on a pitch measuring 68 meters by 47 to 50 meters, with unlimited substitutions permitted.

Two Phase Format Ensures Multiple Matches for Teams

Unlike traditional knockout tournaments, the event is split into two distinct phases. Phase one places teams into 32 groups of six to seven teams each, playing a round-robin schedule where no teams are eliminated. Phase two segments participating sides into graded tiers, ensuring every squad accumulates between seven and ten total matches. Every participating player receives a commemorative certificate, while tier winners earn commemorative trophies without associated prize money. FIFA covers travel and accommodation expenses in Azerbaijan.

Kantaphol Lertslamsakulkan, head of the Football Association of Thailand’s FIFA Talent Development Scheme department and team head coach, explained that the selection process targeted players born in 2011 through the FIFA TDS Talent ID pathway. The 8-a-side framework increases ball contact frequency, attacking transitions, spatial awareness, and tactical creativity. Arsene Wenger, FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, stated that the tournament provides meaningful competitive exposure for young talents from diverse football cultures who might otherwise lack international match opportunities.

By contrast, regional preparations varied among competitors. Vietnam was drawn into Group R alongside Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Guyana, Iran, and Mauritius.

Thailand Group Stage Match Schedule

The Thailand under-15 team’s group stage fixtures in Thailand time are scheduled as follows:

• October 24 at 13:15: Dominican Republic versus Thailand
• October 25 at 12:00: Slovakia versus Thailand
• October 25 at 18:45: Thailand versus Samoa
• October 26 at 15:45: Colombia versus Thailand
• October 26 at 22:30: Thailand versus Eswatini

All matches are broadcast live via FIFA+ on the DAZN application.

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