• Thailand sit third in second round qualifying group

• Ishii's side face crucial June games against China PR and Singapore

• Led War Elephants to AFC Asian Cup knockout round

Japanese players plying their trade in Europe, the USA and beyond is not a new phenomenon. But far fewer Japanese have ever become head coaches of national teams besides their own. One exception is Masatada Ishii, who was handed the Thailand reins last November following the departure of Mano Polking. Ishii is now hoping to make history by becoming the first Japanese to lead a foreign country to the FIFA World Cup™.

Though Thailand have never qualified for football’s flagship event, their chances have never been better, with the FIFA World Cup 26™ set to feature a record 48 teams. Currently third in their group in the second round of Asian qualifying, the War Elephants will be going all in for their final two group games in June to keep their hopes alive.

Masatada Ishii: During my playing days in Japan, we came up against Thai clubs a few times in the AFC Champions League, and I remember how forceful they were both in attack and defence, and how they welcomed individual duels. Compared to Japan though, the team coordination still needs a bit of work. But having a few Thai players in the J.League is a great help. You find that those J.League players who play for Thailand help bring home the crucial need for cohesion in the national team.

Since our New Year’s Day friendly against Japan, organising our defence and generally improving have been foremost in my mind. We wanted to shore things up defensively as a team and stop shipping goals, and these efforts paid off during the Asian Cup. But looking beyond that tournament, we often face teams that have a higher FIFA Ranking than us and that’s when our defending becomes even more crucial. I saw some real progress there during the Asian Cup. The 1-1 draw away to Korea Republic in March is a great example.

By the time I came on board, I knew we’d be facing Korea Republic, so we thoroughly analysed the opposition and prepared accordingly, including the defensive lessons learned from the Asian Cup. Rather than remain on the back foot, we organised things tactically to maximise our potential to attack while in possession. In my view, what we achieved playing Korea Republic away came thanks to our lessons from the Japan friendly in January and the Asian Cup. However, getting the 1-1 away draw raised expectations for the home game too much – the players became overly aggressive and lost their heads. I need to reflect on why we fell short there and put it right.

Well, it’s not going to happen overnight. Japan have surged up the rankings since establishing the J.League 30 years ago, so I think Thailand can do something similar. Of course, elevating the level of the Thai league is a must, but having club coaches and owners in the country buy into the bigger picture of how Thai football develops is just as crucial. Everyone involved in Thai football has to reflect on how best to bolster our national side and create lofty goals and a vision. Ever since coming here, I've been highlighting the need to target the 2026 World Cup. This is the most immediate of the major goals on which to set our sights.

The buzz around us after we drew away to Korea Republic was immense. In all honesty though, we’re not yet on a par with them or Japan. Thailand are ranked 20th or so in Asia, which means we have to punch well above our weight to get to the World Cup. No-one is going to pretend that’s easy, but as long as we have even the smallest chance, I will keep giving my all.

The World Cup is something all of us in football know and dream of reaching, even once. I may not have made it as a player, but it means so much to me to have another chance as Thailand coach. I'm very grateful and will do my very best to make it happen for the team.

Nishino was really unfortunate to be coach during the COVID-19 pandemic, which meant his hands were really tied in many ways. Personally, though, I've made it a point to actively engage with domestic clubs, not just those from the top division but the second and third tiers. With 2026 in mind, I want to create an environment where, not just me and my staff, but everyone else involved in Thai football can come together and do their bit for the collective.

I’m experiencing this for the first time as a national team coach. The pressure of working against the clock to prepare and get a result is not easy. We came away empty-handed from the home game against Korea Republic, but I think maximum points from the remaining two games are an absolute must. To that end, I want to get things in order and analyse the opposition as closely as I can.