Sport
Chanathip Songkrasin Targets FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 Title
Thai national team midfielder Chanathip Songkrasin has expressed full confidence in the squad's readiness to compete for the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 in Indonesia.
On September 21, 2026, the Thailand national football team, led by head coach Anthony Hudson, officially gathered at the Novotel Rangsit to begin training for the upcoming FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026. This tournament marks the first edition of the competition, which will be hosted in Indonesia.
Key midfielder Chanathip Songkrasin stated that both the players and the coaching staff are fully prepared for the challenge. Acknowledging the high level of competition, as other nations are also fielding their strongest squads, Chanathip emphasized that the team's singular goal is to bring the championship trophy back to Thailand. He noted that while playing in a neutral country presents logistical challenges—such as adapting to local food and unfamiliar stadiums—the team’s collective experience will be vital in overcoming these hurdles.
For residents and football enthusiasts in Thailand, this tournament represents a significant moment in regional sports. Chanathip highlighted the importance of matches against rivals like Vietnam to build team momentum. While the team remains focused on their own performance and tactical analysis, they are aware that the host nation, Indonesia, may hold a slight advantage due to home-crowd support. As the team prepares to depart, fans await further updates on the final squad performance and match results once the tournament officially commences.