The Laos national team is set to host Thailand at 8:00 PM on 25/7 at the New National Stadium in Vientiane, marking the opening match of group B of the ASEAN Cup 2026. This encounter presents a significant challenge for the host team, facing an opponent that has won the regional championship seven times.

Under coach Vladica Grujic, the Laos team enters the tournament with a rejuvenated squad, featuring an average age of just 22,9 years. While foreign-based players like Damoth Thongkhamsavath and Phoutthavong Sangvilay are present, Laos has shown defensive vulnerabilities, conceding 10 goals in their two recent defeats against Vietnam and Malaysia.

Thailand's changing room before the match against Laos. Photo: FAT

Conversely, Thailand is undergoing a transitional phase under new coach Anthony Hudson. While missing key players like Chanathip Songkrasin and Theerathon Bunmathan, as the tournament falls outside FIFA Days, they still boast a quality squad. This squad blends experienced mainstays such as Sarach Yooyen and Kritsada Kaman with talented young stars like Jude Soonsup-Bell and Teerasak Poeiphimai.

Thailand enters the match with consistent form in recent preparatory matches (defeating Sri Lanka and Turkmenistan, and drawing with China and Kuwait). Coupled with an unbeaten record in their four most recent encounters against Laos, Thailand holds a strong advantage to secure all three points on opening day.

Quang Dung - Xuan Binh