Thai media panics as they are forced to face Vietnam at ASIAD 2026

Thai media assesses that the Thai women's national team has landed in a tough group at ASIAD 2026 as they must face Japan, Vietnam, and Chinese Taipei.

The results of the draw for the women's football event at ASIAD 2026 have generated significant attention in Southeast Asia, especially for the Thai women's national team. According to the results announced on July 23 in Japan, Thailand is placed in the same group as hosts Japan, Vietnam, and Chinese Taipei.

Right after the draw ceremony, the Thai media reacted with considerable caution. The Khaosod newspaper stated that the Thai women's national team will face a major challenge right from the group stage. The newspaper wrote: “The Thai women's national football team will face tough challenges in the first round of the 2026 Asian Games, as they will compete against Japan, Vietnam, and Taiwan.”

Khaosod also emphasized that this is far from an easy group for “Chaba Kaew,” the nickname of the Thai women's team. Among them, Japan is the host and also a top Asian team. The Vietnamese women's team is referred to by the Thai newspaper as a strong opponent from the ASEAN region, while Chinese Taipei is also a seasoned name in continental competitions.

The Thai newspaper commented: “The Thai women's national football team is facing a difficult challenge right from the group stage at the 2026 Asian Games, as they are placed in the same group asVietnam (a strong ASEAN opponent)...".

According to the schedule, the women's football event at ASIAD 2026 will take place from September 14 to October 2, featuring 12 teams. The teams are divided into 3 groups of 4 teams each, playing a single round-robin format. The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will advance to the quarter-finals.

With this format, the opportunity to advance remains open for Thailand, but the task is certainly not easy. Japan is almost certainly rated as the top team in the group, while Vietnam, Thailand, and Chinese Taipei will likely have to compete fiercely for the remaining positions.

Khaosod also acknowledged that this group presents a major challenge for Thailand, but it has not closed off hopes of advancing. The newspaper wrote: “The draw results have placed the Thai team in Group A alongside Japan, Vietnam, and Taiwan, creating a difficult challenge. However, the Thai team still has a chance to advance to the next round.”

As for the Vietnamese women's team, being grouped with Japan and Thailand makes their journey at ASIAD 2026 highly anticipated. Japan is the biggest challenge, while the match against Thailand could be decisive in the competition for a spot in the next round. This is also a familiar showdown between the two leading women's football nations in Southeast Asia.