Thai Women's Team Wins Bronze at Special Olympics World Cup
Thailand's Unified Special Olympics women's football team won bronze at the 2026 World Cup in Paris, defeating Slovakia on penalties, and earned both the Unified Team and Coach of the Tournament awards.
Thailand's Unified Special Olympics women's football team made history at the 2026 Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup in Paris by advancing to the bronze medal match in Division 1 and defeating Slovakia on penalty kicks after a 4-4 draw in regular time.
Beyond winning third place globally, the Thai women's team received two additional honors: the Unified Team of the Tournament award and the Coach of the Tournament award.
The Special Olympics Unified Football competition gives athletes with intellectual disabilities, called "Special Athletes," the opportunity to compete alongside players without disabilities, known as "Unified Partners," on the same team. This showcases the potential of some of society's most vulnerable individuals with intellectual disabilities and reflects equal cooperation both on and off the field.
The historic Thai women's 7-a-side squad consisted of: Captain Yatika Wachwong (Special Athlete), athletes Gwelin Tammanimu, Piyamad Huayjai, Sirivimol Saetao, Saiyathorn Tinna, goalkeeper Ekjittra Kongtako (all Special Athletes), and Unified Partners Thidatip Panaew, Nattathida Somchat, Nophkao Pornpipat, and Saowphak Naksanit. The coaching staff included Head Coach Chawni Phanlertsai, Coach Kanya Sahari, team physician Dr. Phetai Sophalasilp, team leader Suchuchai Angkabkaew, and Director Dr. Rittirong Intrajinda.
The Unified Football World Cup, held every two years by Special Olympics International, provides opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to develop and demonstrate their abilities while promoting acceptance and social inclusion.
The Thai women's team achieved several historic milestones: it was the only women's football team from the Asia-Pacific region participating, it was the team's first World Cup appearance, and it became one of only three best Unified women's football teams in the world. Additionally, Thailand was the only country to receive two special awards: the Unified Team of the Tournament, recognizing player unity both on and off the field, and the Coach of the Tournament, recognizing the coach's leadership and inspiration.
2026 Unified Football World Cup Paris Results: Women's 7-a-side: 1st Guatemala, 2nd Costa Rica, 3rd Thailand Men's 11-a-side: 1st Libya, 2nd Jamaica, 3rd Paraguay
Paraguay will host the 2028 Unified Football World Cup.
