The Thai Football Association (FAT) has reportedly extended its contract with Masatada Ishii until the 2026 North-Central America World Cup. 토토사이트
Thailand’s Bangkok Post recently reported, “Japan’s Ishii signed a contract to coach the Thai men’s national team until the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This was confirmed by newly elected FAT president Nualfan Ramsam.” Ishii will also serve as an advisor for the men’s U23 national team.
Ishii replaced former German-Brazilian Polking as Thailand’s head coach in November last year.
Polking has been on the Thai national team since 2021, winning the 2021 and 2022 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Cup.
However, he was dismissed after recording one win and one loss in Group C of the second qualifying round for the North-Central America World Cup in 2026.
Coach Ishii, who led the Thai national team, was a former head coach of Buriram United in Thailand’s professional football team, leading the league to victory in 2022 and 2023 and advancing the Thai national team to the round of 16 in this Asian Cup.
The Bangkok Post said, “Lee’s next task will be two important home and away qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Thailand is scheduled to play Korea in Group C, the first leg of the second Asian qualifying round for the World Cup finals in Seoul on Mar. 21. The two teams will face off again on Mar. 26 at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok. Korea has made it to the semifinals of the Asian Cup, but it wasn’t very impressive.”
The Bangkok Post said, “The Korea Football Association recently dismissed national team coach Jurgen Klinsmann, who was eliminated in the semifinals of the Asian Cup, after criticism arose over his leadership.” Fans and some politicians demanded Klinsmann’s replacement as South Korea lost 0-2 to Jordan in the semifinals, extending its 64-year wait for a third championship. Hwang Sun-hong, a former Korean national team player, will take over as interim national team and play in two matches against Thailand. Coach Hwang led the Korean U23 national team to a gold medal at the Asian Games in October last year.”