Thailand struggles due to FIFA rules, Vietnam team has a wide open chance to defend AFF Cup title.

Thailand is at risk of not fielding its strongest lineup for the 2026 AFF Cup because the competition is outside FIFA's official match calendar, which greatly impacts head coach Anthony Hudson's strategy.

With only about a month left before the 2026 AFF Cup kicks off, the Thai team has already had to face a personnel puzzle. Since the tournament is not on the official FIFA match schedule. This means clubs are not obligated to release players for the national team, causing coach Anthony Hudson great difficulty in assembling the strongest squad to aim for the championship.

Speaking to the media, the English tactician admitted this is a very sensitive period as all clubs are entering preparations for the new season. Therefore, Thailand's coaching staff have to negotiate with each club to find common ground, rather than being able to call up players under FIFA's mandatory regulations. In that context, Mr. Anthony Hudson said he would prioritize players who are ready to assemble, while also giving more opportunities to young faces.

Nevertheless, the "War Elephants" youth transition is not easy at all. In the latest friendly against China, Thailand's starting lineup had as many as 8 players over 30, including veteran striker Teerasil Dangda who was still trusted to start despite being 38 years old. This shows that the Land of Golden Temples team still relies heavily on experienced players and has not yet completed the generational change as hoped.

The scenario of personnel shortage also happened to Thailand at the 2024 AFF Cup. At that time, many key players from Buriram United and BG Pathum United could not fully participate due to club schedule conflicts. Some players even had to leave the national team mid-tournament to return to their clubs before rejoining later. These precedents make coach Anthony Hudson even more cautious when setting goals for the 2026 AFF Cup, emphasizing that the whole team will focus on each match rather than putting pressure to win the title.

Meanwhile, the Vietnam national team is also affected by the AFF Cup not being on the FIFA calendar, as some players from CAHN had to stay with their club for the Asian competition. However, coach Kim Sang-sik has maintained the core with most of the best elements, while adding newly naturalized players like Patrik Le Giang, Ngo Dang Khoa, and Nguyen Tai Loc. As a result, the reigning champions' squad is still considered to have depth and enough strength to compete.

The 2026 AFF Cup will take place from July 24 to August 26. Vietnam is in Group A alongside Indonesia, Singapore, Cambodia, and Timor-Leste, while Thailand is in Group B with Malaysia, Philippines, Myanmar, and Laos. With many obstacles in assembling the squad due to FIFA regulations, Thailand is predicted to enter the tournament under considerable pressure. This could also become a significant advantage for rival competitors, especially the Vietnam team in their quest to defend the Southeast Asian throne.