Young Thai Cave Boys Miss World Cup Dreams, Doctors Warn
After a harrowing 14‑day ordeal underground, the Thai footballers rescued from the Tham Luang cave are now facing a tough reality: the World Cup final in Moscow is unfortunately out of reach, according to health officials.
Rescue Highlights and Global Football Support
- Football heroes from around the world—Ronaldo, John Stones, Lionel Messi—have rallied behind the “Wild Boars.”
- The eight boys, once competing in a training match on June 23, were found in the midst of the cave, dressed in their jerseys—one in an England kit, another in Real Madrid colors.
- Images of their battered, starved state went viral, sparking a flood of care and a heartfelt invitation from FIFA’s Gianni Infantino to attend the July 15 event.
Health Officials Caution Against Rushing the Boys
Despite their robust condition, medical experts warn that the rescued teens need a prolonged, meticulous recovery. Hospital stays will last at least a week, making it impossible for them to join the World Cup match.
Public health spokesperson Thongchai Lertwilairatanapong noted, “They can’t go. They have to stay in hospital for a while.” Permanent-secretary Jedsada Chokdamrungsuk added that the boys will most likely follow the game from a TV screen.
Final Stages of Rescue Mission
Only eight of the 12 boys had emerged from the cave by Tuesday afternoon, as the complex extraction program reached its concluding stages. While no serious health issues have been identified, parental visits are restricted: only the first four boys may be seen, and each visit requires protective gear and must occur after a 48‑hour waiting period.