Cambodia U19 Eyes Historic Final Berth Against Thailand After Landmark ASEAN Championship Run

NORTH SUMATRA, June 11, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s U19 national football team will bid to reach its first-ever ASEAN U19 Boys’ Championship final when it faces regional powerhouse Thailand in Thursday’s semi-final at 4 pm.

The Koupreys have already broken new ground by advancing to the last four for the first time since the tournament’s launch in 2002. 

Cambodia progressed as the best second-placed team after defeating the Philippines 3-0 and holding Australia to a 2-2 draw in the group stage.

Thailand, five-time champions and perennial contenders, topped Group B with three straight wins, including emphatic victories over Brunei and Singapore before edging Malaysia 3-2.

Despite Thailand’s pedigree, Cambodia will draw inspiration from its historic 4-3 win over the Thais at the 2019 edition in Vietnam — the team’s first victory in seven ASEAN U19 encounters.

Head coach Yasuhiro Yoshida said his side would focus on discipline and commitment. “We will continue encouraging our players to give their best effort, improve on the areas where we are lacking, and maintain the strengths we have demonstrated so far,” he noted.

The semi-final will be staged in Indonesia, with hosts Indonesia meeting Australia in the other last-four clash. Winners will contest the final on June 13, while the losing sides play for third place the same day.

For Cambodia, Thursday’s match represents more than a semi-final. It is a chance for a new generation to continue rewriting the nation’s youth football history and move closer to an unprecedented ASEAN U19 title challenge.