Bangkok:The Thai national football team, known as the "War Elephants," is set to continue its journey in the King's Cup football tournament following their runner-up position at the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 in Indonesia.
According to Thai News Agency, the team, led by head coach Anthony Hudson, returned to Thailand, arriving at Suvarnabhumi International Airport after a challenging final against Indonesia. The match ended in a 2-2 draw after 120 minutes, with Thailand ultimately losing 2-4 in the penalty shootout.
Hudson praised the team's performance, especially their resilience in playing with ten men until the last minute of extra time. He viewed the penalty loss as a part of the game and emphasized the team's potential as a core group for future tournaments, including the Asian Cup and the King's Cup. He noted the absence of key players such as Theerathon Bunmathan and others, indicating plans to integrate them into the squad.
Midfielder Sarach Yooyen highlighted the high intensity of the tournament, as each nation fielded their best players. He described the unpredictable nature of the final match as part of football's appeal and commended his teammates for their dedication and performance throughout the competition.
The coaching staff will now evaluate the outcomes and strategize for the upcoming 52nd King's Cup, scheduled to take place in Sisaket Province during the FIFA Day in November 2026.