Both teams have undergone transformations since their previous World Cup qualifying campaigns. Japanese coach Masatada Ishii has taken the reins for Thailand, succeeding Mano Polking, while South Korea has seen domestic coach Hwang Sun-hong replace the esteemed German coach Jurgen Klinsmann.
South Korea will still have the strongest squad as coach Hwang decided to call up two stars Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in despite their conflict at the 2023 Asian Cup last month.
If Thailand can create a surprise against South Korea, Songkrasin and his teammates will move one step closer to the next qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup. Singapore and China make up the rest of group C, with the latter being Thailand’s main competitor for a spot in the next round, as South Korea are predicted to top the group with no difficulties.
Five days later, Thailand will play South Korea in Bangkok.