The Thais, runners-up in 2024 and winners of Group B this year, enter the tie as favourites, reports the Bangkok Post.
Under the guidance of Rakphol Sainetngam, who assumed the head coach role only weeks before the tournament began, the Southeast Asian side have impressed with a flawless group-stage campaign, registering three wins from three.
Rakphol has drawn on a core of nine players who featured in the final on home soil two years ago, blending experience with renewed tactical discipline.
“We are ready to face whichever team we have to face,” Rakphol said ahead of the match.
“We don’t get to choose who we want to face and it wouldn’t matter because every remaining team is equally good. We did well in the group stage but I have to say it won’t be easy in the quarter-finals. However, we have a good squad, the players are focused and we believe in ourselves.”
Iraq, meanwhile, arrive in Jakarta with momentum of their own. Finishing second in Group A behind hosts Indonesia on goal difference, Joao Carlos’s side demonstrated resilience in overturning deficits against Kyrgyzstan and South Korea to secure their passage.
The Brazilian coach has instilled belief in his players, emphasising their capacity to thrive under pressure.
“The last group game against Indonesia was incredible for the players to experience because you live to play in such conditions,” Carlos reflected.
“Hopefully, it gives the players motivation to experience it again. It’s going to be another difficult game against Thailand. What we need now is recovery. We have our plans to play against Thailand.”
The encounter at Indonesia Arena, Jakarta, scheduled for 3pm local time, will be broadcast live on BG Sports YouTube.