King's Cup-ASEAN Fixture Clash Threatens Thailand's Key Player Availability
Thailand's King's Cup preparations are threatened by a fixture clash with the ASEAN Club Championship starting November 18, leaving key national team players' availability uncertain as clubs may not release them.
Thailand's senior national team, under English-American head coach Anthony Hudson, is preparing to compete in the 52nd King's Cup from November 14-17 at Sri Narong Stadium in Surin. Thailand will face Brunei in the semi-finals on November 14, with the winner advancing to face either Oman or Tajikistan in the final on November 17, while the losers contest the third-place match the same day.
Earlier, Hudson held a meeting with his coaching staff regarding player selection for this tournament. Following the 2026 AFF Championship in Indonesia, Hudson confirmed he would call up key players for the King's Cup as preparation for the Asian Cup finals in January 2027.
However, player recruitment may face club cooperation issues. The ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) has announced the second matchday of the 2026-27 ASEAN Club Championship (Shopee Cup) for November 18-19, meaning national team players would need to return to club duty immediately after the King's Cup.
Although the Football Association of Thailand is negotiating with parent clubs, there is no guarantee key players will be released. Reports indicate only 10 players have confirmed availability from the list sent to clubs.
The second matchday fixtures are: November 18 - Tampines Rovers vs Ratchaburi FC, Ho Chi Minh City vs Buriram United; November 19 - Svay Rieng FC vs Port FC.
