BANGKOK, THAILAND – FIFA selected Thailand to host the FIFA Women’s Series 2026, making the kingdom the first Asian nation to stage the pilot tournament.
Thailand wins bid for landmark women’s event
The decision by FIFA marked a historic success for Thai football. An official confirmation letter arrived from Zurich on Monday, 19 January, approving Thailand as host for the event to be held from 9 to 15 April 2026.
The matches were scheduled for the Ratchaburi Stadium in the province of Ratchaburi, bringing international attention and an image boost to both the region and women’s football in Thailand.
Role of Nualphan “Madam Pang” Lamsam
The successful bid was largely driven by Nualphan “Madam Pang” Lamsam, president of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT). She had formally submitted Thailand’s hosting proposal to FIFA.
“The selection shows FIFA’s confidence in our ability to host international women’s football events.”
said Madam Pang, FAT president.
What the FIFA Women’s Series aims to achieve
The FIFA Series was described as a global pilot project by the world governing body, designed to bring together national teams from different continents. Players, coaches and fans were expected to experience contrasting football styles.
The initiative sought to drive the development of the sport worldwide, while also promoting international cooperation and commercial growth opportunities, with Thailand now part of that broader vision.
Teams and tournament format in Ratchaburi
Four national teams were set to take part, with hosts Thailand, ranked 53rd in the world, automatically qualified. The other confirmed sides were the Democratic Republic of Congo (ranked 109) and Nepal (ranked 89).
A fourth team from Oceania was to be nominated at a later date. Under the planned format, each team would play two matches, with first-round winners meeting in the final and the losing sides contesting third place.
Match schedule already in place
The opening two fixtures were scheduled for 12 April 2026, with kick-offs at 16:00 and 20:00. The decisive matches were set for 15 April, also at 16:00 and 20:00.
All games were to be played at Ratchaburi Stadium, concentrating the entire tournament in a single venue.
Mixed emotions after SEA Games setback
The announcement came against the backdrop of disappointment for the Thai men’s national team, which lost the SEA Games 2025 final to Vietnam 2–3. It was the first time in 50 years that Thailand, as host nation, failed to win the gold medal.
Despite this setback, the hosting of the FIFA Women’s Series 2026 was viewed as a clear signal that Thailand had established itself as a serious football venue on the global map.