Thailand Announces Squad for ASEAN Cup 2026: Not at Full Strength

Thailand's national team has officially revealed the list of 25 players for the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026, a tournament scheduled from July 24 to August 26, led by English coach Anthony Hudson.

Notably, the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 is recognized by FIFA as international A-level matches and will count toward FIFA rankings, even though it occurs outside the FIFA Days calendar. This has made it difficult for many regional teams to call up players who are based abroad.

Looking at the 25-player squad announced by Thailand on the afternoon of July 8, it is clear that coach Anthony Hudson has selected a mix of experienced veterans and young players currently developing in the Thai League.

In the goalkeeper position, the trio of Kamphon Pathom-attakul, Korrakot Pipatnadda, and Chatchai Budprom are all seasoned figures. Among them, Chatchai Budprom remains a familiar name in Thai football for many years.

The defense features many experienced players such as Narubadin Weerawatnodom, Pansa Hemviboon, Manuel Tom Bihr, and Adisorn Promrak. These are all players who have competed in multiple AFF Cups, World Cup qualifiers, and Asian Cups, bringing solidity and match experience to the team from the Land of Smiles.

The midfield continues to be a strong point for Thailand with the presence of Sarach Yooyen, Pokklaw Anan, Picha Autra, Thotsawat Limwanasthian, and Worachit Kanitsribampen. These midfielders possess ball control, rhythm regulation, and play-building abilities, which have been the hallmark of Thai football for years.

Up front, Patrick Gustavsson is expected to lead the attack alongside Teerasak Poeiphimai and Yotsakorn Burapha. Although they have good speed and technical foundation, this trio has not yet reached the influence of the previous generation.

The most notable point in this squad is the absence of several stars playing abroad or key national team figures such as Chanathip Songkrasin, Supachok Sarachat, Suphanat Mueanta, and Ekanit Panya. This is a consequence of the tournament being held outside FIFA Days, meaning clubs are not obligated to release players.

The majority of called-up players are currently active in the Thai League, concentrated in top clubs like Buriram United, BG Pathum United, Port FC, True Bangkok United, and Ratchaburi FC. This helps the team maintain cohesion in play, but also reflects that this is not the strongest squad Thai football can field.

Overall, Thailand remains one of the top contenders for the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 title thanks to their experience, balanced defense and midfield, and competitive spirit proven through many major tournaments. However, the absence of several attacking stars significantly weakens the "War Elephants'" strength compared to their full potential.

"I have some information to share. First of all, I am very pleased to be able to call up Patrik Gustavsson. However, he will only join the team from August 5.

This period has been really challenging in terms of personnel selection, especially with the dense pre-season schedules of clubs. My initial plan was to use U23 players, but many players in that age group have good quality and potential, so clubs want to keep them for pre-season preparations, meaning they cannot join the national team.

That has led to some changes in the final squad. We had to build a team combining young players and experienced ones as the core.

I want to thank the Football Association of Thailand and President Madam Pang Nualphan Lamsam for their support, facilitation, and coordination so that players could gather for this training camp.

I also thank the clubs for cooperating and agreeing to release players for this camp, even though it is a very difficult time as everyone is preparing for the new season.

This decision may not be perfect, but we have discussed thoroughly with club leaders and received very positive cooperation. I sincerely thank all the clubs.

After a challenging period in player selection, overall I am satisfied with the squad I have and am very eager to work with the players in this training camp.

This tournament is an important opportunity for all players, especially the young ones and new faces, to showcase their abilities and lay the groundwork for future camps in September and October.

At that time, we will select the strongest squad to prepare for larger-scale tournaments," coach Anthony Hudson confirmed.