India vs. Thailand: Marquez’s Debut as National Team Coach

Rangsit, Thailand — The Indian national football team will face Thailand in a FIFA International Friendly on June 4, 2025, marking Manolo Marquez‘s debut as the team’s full-time manager. Marquez, who recently resigned from his role at FC Goa, aims for a successful start with the Blue Tigers.

Star forward Sunil Chhetri returns from retirement, and his leadership will be crucial as India strives to improve its scoring. Chhetri, 40, will likely play a significant role alongside Lallianzuala Chhangte, who is back to full fitness, and Liston Colaco, who has shown impressive form in domestic leagues.

On defense, Anwar Ali‘s return adds depth to a solid backline featuring regulars Sandesh Jhingan and Rahul Bheke, both of whom excelled during the Indian Super League (ISL) season. Opportunities for the squad’s younger talent, like Suhail Bhat from Mohun Bagan and Nikhil Prabhu of Punjab FC, suggest Marquez is ready to experiment with new combinations.

The match at Thammasat Stadium is a vital part of India’s preparation for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against Hong Kong. This qualifier, slated for June 10, is crucial for India’s goal of qualifying for the continental tournament for the third consecutive time.

India’s recent performance history shows promise; under Marquez, the team has recorded one win, four draws, and a loss in six matches. Their most recent game resulted in a 3-0 victory against the Maldives.

Fans are eager to see how the team performs with its mix of experienced players and newcomers. The friendly match will also provide a platform for assessing new talent ahead of significant competitions.

Kickoff is set for 6 PM IST, with no television broadcasts scheduled in India but live coverage available on the Fancode app and website.