The Indian Football Team will face Thailand in a friendly match during the June FIFA International Window. Scheduled for June 4, 2025, this game will serve as preparation ahead of India’s next 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifier. The Blue Tigers will use this warm-up clash to fine-tune their tactics before traveling to Hong Kong for their upcoming qualifier.
After a shaky start to their qualifiers campaign, with a draw against Bangladesh, India will be aiming for a strong international window in June. Their first target is a victory over Thailand — a team they have encountered multiple times over the past few decades.
Historically, the Indian team has played the War Elephants 25 times, winning 7 matches and losing 11. However, in their most recent meeting, the Blue Tigers emerged victorious, giving them a psychological edge going into this friendly.
Football: Blue Tigers Triumph Over War Elephants in Last Encounter
Anirudh Thapa scored the match’s only goal in India’s victory over Thailand, according to AIFF Media. In their second match under coach Igor Stimac, the Indian team took on Thailand as part of the 2019 Kings Cup, having been invited to the tournament hosted by the War Elephants. After a tough 3-1 defeat to Curacao in their opener, the Blue Tigers were determined to secure a positive result against the hosts.
India Football started cautiously, defending deep and absorbing early pressure from Thailand. Adil Khan was rock-solid at the back, making crucial blocks that frustrated the home side’s attacking efforts. The breakthrough came in the 17th minute when Adil reacted quickly to a rebound off a free kick, finding Anirudh Thapa unmarked at the back post. Thapa calmly tapped the ball into an empty net to put India ahead 1-0.
The War Elephants responded aggressively, pushing forward in search of an equalizer. In the 21st minute, Thailand’s captain Teerasil Dangda almost scored with a spectacular back-volley, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Adil Khan continued his strong defensive display, blocking a promising shot just after the 30-minute mark. Thailand’s threat persisted, and in the 35th minute, a header on goal was heroically cleared off the line by Thapa’s quick reaction. India had a chance to extend their lead before halftime when Farukh Choudhary was played through on goal but couldn’t beat the goalkeeper.
Football: Early in the second half, Choudhary nearly opened his scoring account for India, his powerful left-footed shot rattling the post in the 50th minute. Thailand’s attempts were repeatedly denied, including a clever shot from Teerasil blocked by Sandesh Jhingan in the 60th minute. India came close to a second goal in the 69th minute when a misdirected backpass struck the post before defenders cleared it.
Thailand’s midfielder Peeradol Chamrasamee had a golden chance to level in the 88th minute but failed to connect properly with a close-range header. In stoppage time, goalkeeper Amrinder Singh made a brilliant save from Teerasil’s header, preserving a clean sheet and securing a vital win for India.
Strong performances from Anirudh Thapa, Adil Khan, Sandesh Jhingan, and the rest of the squad helped the Blue Tigers register their second consecutive victory over Thailand.
Indian Football Team Aims to Bounce Back with a Win
Manolo Marquez’s squad returns to Thailand after a six-year hiatus, determined to secure a victory. The Blue Tigers were held to a goalless draw against Bangladesh in their opening match of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers and are eager to carry winning momentum into their upcoming game against Hong Kong.
Football: Beating Thailand—currently ranked 99th in the FIFA rankings—will require a solid and disciplined performance from the Indian team.
To succeed, the Blue Tigers must maintain a resilient defensive structure, just as they did in 2019, to frustrate the hosts. Additionally, they need to capitalize on their chances with clinical finishing to clinch an important victory.
