FanCode Acquires Streaming Rights for India vs Thailand Friendly and Two Asian Cup Qualifiers

In a significant development for Indian football enthusiasts, FanCode has obtained exclusive television and digital streaming rights for three of the Indian national football team’s upcoming international encounters. The fixtures include a high-profile friendly against Thailand, followed by two pivotal AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying clashes. These matches promise not only to test India’s mettle on foreign soil but also offer fans comprehensive access to the action via a single platform.

FanCode Becomes the Official Broadcast Destination

FanCode, India’s leading sports streaming platform, will deliver comprehensive coverage of the Indian men’s national team’s next three outings, starting with a FIFA International Friendly against Thailand on June 4. The match kicks off at 18:00 IST at the Thammasat Stadium in Pathum Thani. With exclusive rights across TV and digital media in India, FanCode becomes the go-to destination for fans eager to follow the Blue Tigers abroad.

Following the friendly, India’s focus will shift to two key AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying matches — an away game versus Hong Kong on June 10, and a return fixture against Bangladesh on November 18.

Preparatory Match Against Thailand: A Test of Intent

The fixture against Thailand, ranked 99th globally, serves as an important warm-up for India’s crucial June 10 qualifier against Hong Kong. India, currently ranked 127th, sees this match not merely as a preparatory tie but as an opportunity to measure its tactical evolution under new head coach Manolo Márquez.

“We are preparing for the game against Hong Kong, and Thailand are preparing for Turkmenistan. It’s a good friendly game for both teams because we are in a similar situation (playing the Asian Cup Qualifiers),” said Márquez at the pre-match press conference.

Blue Tigers Seek Redemption and Rhythm

India began its third-round AFC Asian Cup qualification campaign with a disappointing 0-0 draw against Bangladesh in Shillong earlier this year. Placed in Group C with Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Singapore, India needs a strong showing in the upcoming fixtures to keep its continental hopes alive.

Star winger Lallianzuala Chhangte emphasized the seriousness of the Thailand friendly, stating, “We take this friendly game seriously and want to win it as well. Everyone is focused and motivated. The coaching staff and everyone in the team are behind us, helping us in every way they can.”

Historic Edge, But New Circumstances

India holds a psychological advantage over Thailand, having triumphed in both of their most recent meetings in 2019. A 4-1 win at the AFC Asian Cup in Abu Dhabi and a 1-0 victory at the King’s Cup in Buriram underline India’s ability to deliver on big occasions.

However, Márquez was quick to temper expectations. “Those games were a long time ago… It’s practically impossible to compare the games. I expect a good game. We are here to win, and obviously, if you ask me if we can repeat the score, that would be great,” said the Spanish tactician.

Fresh Faces and Tactical Resets

Only seven players from the 2019 squad feature in the current team, including seasoned names like Sunil Chhetri, Sandesh Jhingan, and Subhasish Bose. Thailand, likewise, has seen major changes, with only Chanathip Songkrasin and Supachai Chaided returning from previous fixtures.

Thai head coach Masatada Ishii echoed Márquez’s sentiments, remarking, “We lost the last two games against India, but there have been a lot of changes. I wasn’t the coach at that time… We want to win against India and use this game as preparation for Turkmenistan.”

Thai Camp Rebuilds After Domestic Season

Thailand’s national team reconvened only days before the friendly, following the conclusion of their domestic league season. Buriram United, crowned Thai League Cup champions, have contributed key players to the squad, including midfielder Phitiwat Sookjitthammakul, who said, “The atmosphere in the camp is good and friendly. We want to do our best and aim to win the two matches.”

Márquez, who witnessed the Thai League Cup final, was impressed with the matchday energy, stating, “The atmosphere was very nice at the Buriram-Lamphun final, with practically a full stadium. I think that’s one reason why we play football — with a lot of crowd.”

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