Indian men’s football team will play an international friendly against higher-ranked Thailand on June 4 at the Thammasat Stadium in Pathum Thani, Thailand, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced on Wednesday.
The friendly against Thailand will be a part of Manolo Marquez’ team’s preparation for its AFC Asian Cup 2027 Group C qualification match against Hong Kong, China, on June 10.
India is ranked 127th in the FIFA Rankings, while Thailand is 99th.
India and Thailand have faced each other 26 times. While the Blue Tigers have won seven matches, the Changsuek have tasted victory on 12 occasions. The remaining seven matches ended in draws.
India won the last two meetings (both in 2019) — a 4-1 rout at the AFC Asian Cup in Abu Dhabi before a 1-0 victory in Buriram handed them the bronze medal at the King’s Cup.
India will begin its preparatory camp for the FIFA International Window in Kolkata on May 18 and leave for Thailand by May 29. The Blue Tigers will subsequently depart for Hong Kong after the friendly against Thailand to acclimatise and train for their Asian Cup qualifier.
ALSO READ: Assam prodigy Sprihaa Hrishi Kashyap clinches gold at 2nd Asian Yogasana Sports C’ship
Bangladesh and Singapore are the other two teams in Group C. All four sides are currently locked on one point apiece after goalless draws between India and Bangladesh in Shillong, and Singapore and Hong Kong, in Singapore, on March 25.
