Thai National Team Trains Ahead of Philippines Clash
The Thai national football team held a training session in Bandung, Indonesia ahead of their final ASEAN Cup group match against the Philippines. Having already qualified for the final with victories over Pakistan and Vietnam, the squad focused on tactics under head coach Anthony Hudson. Players expressed confidence and a desire to win, ideally setting up a final showdown with Indonesia.
The Thai national team, preparing for the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, is set to play its final group-stage match in Group B against the Philippines. On October 1 at 4:00 p.m., the squad trained at the Sagarah ITB Stadium in Bandung, Indonesia. After two opening wins—a 4-0 victory over Pakistan and a 2-0 win over Vietnam—Thailand has already qualified for the final. During the session, head coach Anthony Hudson directed all 23 players through tactical drills lasting about an hour. Before training, forward Jude Soonthap-Bell of Port FC said, “I’m happy to be back with the national team and to have scored, but the most important thing is reaching the final.” He added, “Whatever the lineup against the Philippines, we want to give our best, just like in every previous match, and secure a good result. We want to win to build confidence before the final.” Regarding the final, he noted, “If we could choose, we’d like to face Indonesia, to play in front of a huge crowd, which would be one of the best and biggest matches in ASEAN. Indonesian fans are known for passionate support, but no matter who we meet, we just want to win and lift the trophy.” The article explains that in Group B, Thailand is alongside Vietnam, the Philippines, and Pakistan, with the round-robin format determining the group winner who advances to the final, while the runner-up competes in a third-place playoff against a team from the other group. Thailand’s match against the Philippines in the ASEAN Cup group stage is scheduled for October 2 at 4:00 p.m.
