HLV Anthony Hudson: 'Thailand is not the top contender for the ASEAN Cup 2026'

In the pre-match press conference for the Group B opener against Laos at the ASEAN Cup 2026, coach Anthony Hudson emphasized that Thailand aims for a powerful start, adding that they are not the leading candidate for the title.

During the press conference held on the morning of July 24 in Vientiane (Laos), coach Anthony Hudson and midfielder Seksan Ratree represented the Thai team at the pre-match briefing ahead of their opening game against the host nation Laos.

"We need a good start. The whole team will enter the match with a positive mindset, playing aggressively and taking the initiative in attack. Our goal is to begin the tournament with strength," the American strategist stressed.

Notably, when asked about the chances of competing for the title, Mr. Hudson was cautious: "We are not the number one contender. The team has many young players, but they are all promising talents. One of them is Seksan Ratree, who is sitting next to me at this press conference."

The 45-year-old coach also stated that he fully trusts his players but does not want to add extra pressure on them. According to him, the coaching staff's task is to help the players maximize their qualities, play confidently on the attack, and show their best form on the pitch.

Meanwhile, midfielder Seksan Ratree affirmed that the Thai team has prepared thoroughly for the tournament.

"We have had quite good preparation and hope to start smoothly. The team is not under too much pressure because everything will be decided on the field. We understand that every opponent has quality, so we will not take any team lightly," the midfielder shared.

As for the host team Laos, they continue to be led by Serbian coach Vladica Grujic. This call-up includes several players currently playing abroad, notably midfielder Damoth Thongkhamsavath, a player from Thanh Hoa Club in the V-League, Phayak Siphanom (Chainat FC, Thai League 2), and Khonesavanh Keonouchanh, who is studying and playing at the Rome City Institute Sports Academy (Italy).

The Laos squad consists of 3 goalkeepers, 12 defenders, 6 midfielders, and 5 forwards. Among them, Saravane United contributes the most with 8 players, followed by Luang Prabang FCFL (4 players), Ezra FC (3), Namtha United (2), Matsada GB (2), Army FC (2), while BIS FC, Changnoi FC, and Champasak Avenir each have one representative.

In the ASEAN Cup 2026, Laos is in Group B alongside Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Myanmar. Coach Vladica Grujic's team will kick off with a home match against Thailand at the National Main Stadium 16 in Vientiane at 8:00 PM on July 25.

After that, Laos will travel to face Malaysia (July 28), return home to host the Philippines (August 1), and conclude the group stage with an away match against Myanmar (August 4).

The ASEAN Cup 2026 is a special edition as it marks the 30th anniversary of the Southeast Asian championship. It is also the first time Hyundai Motor has become the title sponsor of the tournament, following an agreement signed with the AFF in 2025.

This year's tournament brings together 10 teams, divided into two groups. Each team plays 4 matches in the group stage under a home-and-away format. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals.