Jakarta, ThedailyID — Thailand will target the King’s Cup 2026 after falling short in two major tournaments.
Thailand finished as runner-up in both the AFF Cup 2026 and FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026. Vietnam won the AFF Cup, while Indonesia defeated Thailand in the FIFA ASEAN Cup final.
The latest defeat proved particularly painful for Thailand. Indonesia won the final 4-2 on penalties after the match ended 2-2 following extra time.
Thailand now has another chance to win a trophy on home soil. The King’s Cup 2026 will take place from November 9 to 17.
Oman, Bahrain and Tajikistan will join Thailand in the tournament. The competition was organized by the Football Association of Thailand (FAT).
Thailand vice captain Sarach Yooyen said he remains ready to represent his country if selected.
“If I get the opportunity and the coach calls me up, I am always ready to represent my country and give my best,” Sarach said, according to Thairath.
He also sees the King’s Cup as a major opportunity for Thailand to win a trophy in front of its supporters.
“I think the King’s Cup is a good opportunity for us to win a trophy at home,” Sarach said.
“We were disappointed twice before, both in the AFF and FIFA ASEAN Cup. So, this is a great chance to win the tournament in front of our supporters,” he added.
Sarach also praised the FIFA ASEAN Cup after Thailand’s campaign. He said the tournament had a higher intensity than the 2026 AFF Cup.
“In my opinion, every country brought its best team to this tournament. First, the atmosphere was more intense than when we played in the AFF Cup,” Sarach said.
He added that the tournament also provided significant benefits for Thailand from a football perspective.
