Chanathip Songkrasin Targets FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 Title, Calls Indonesia Thailand's Toughest Test
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- Kapten Thailand Chanathip Songkrasin menyatakan kesiapan penuh untuk merebut trofi FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 yang berlangsung 25 September–5 Oktober di Bandung.
- Thailand tergabung di Grup B bersama Vietnam, Filipina, dan Pakistan, sementara Indonesia di Grup A disebut sebagai pesaing paling tangguh.
- Ambisi Chanathip membuka peluang duel sengit di final, sekaligus menguji kedalaman skuad Indonesia di hadapan pendukung sendiri.
Thailand National Team captain, Chanathip Songkrasin, has affirmed his ambition to lead the War Elephants to claim the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 title, which will be held from September 25 to October 5, 2026, at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, Bandung Regency. The 32-year-old midfielder made the statement ahead of the tournament, which brings together ten Southeast Asian nations.
Thailand is in Group B Division 1 along with Vietnam, the Philippines, and Pakistan. Meanwhile, Indonesia, who is in Group A, is considered by Chanathip to be the toughest opponent if the two teams meet in the final. The competition format pits the winners of Group A and B against each other in the final, while the two runners-up will compete for third place.
According to Chanathip, this tournament presents a new challenge because every country is expected to field its best squad. "My entire coaching staff and I are one hundred percent ready. This tournament is something new and will be a challenge because we have to face other national teams, while every country is also selecting their best squad," he told Thai media, Thairath.
Vietnam is Thailand's closest rival. The two teams recently met in the AFF Cup 2026 final, where Thailand had to concede to Vietnam's superiority. Chanathip hopes to avenge that defeat. "We want to be champions and will do everything we can, give our full capabilities, and bring home the victory. I believe everyone has the same goal because the supporters also have expectations of us," he asserted.
He added, "Vietnam has become a strong team. I hope we can defeat them to give confidence to Thailand and Thai supporters so that we have something to face them with."
On the other hand, Chanathip admitted that Indonesia has its own advantages, especially due to its large fan base. "I believe this tournament might have some difficulties, especially regarding food, consumption, and the pitch, but I am confident that we have experience playing abroad, while other teams are also new, only Indonesia has a fan base, although perhaps not many supporters will come directly to support," he added.
Chanathip's statement signals that Thailand does not want to repeat their failure in the AFF Cup 2026 final. With experience playing abroad, he is optimistic that the War Elephants can quickly adapt to the pitch conditions and match atmosphere in Bandung. "I believe we will give our best to achieve victory for our country. We must focus on each team while also focusing on ourselves to prepare as well as possible. Every team has a different playing style, so we must analyze them and ourselves to know where each's weaknesses and strengths lie," he said.
For Indonesia, Thailand's ambition serves as a warning that the competition in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 will not be easy. Despite being the host and favored in Group A, the Indonesian National Team must still be wary of Thailand's strength, bolstered by experienced players. A potential clash between the two teams in the final will be a test for squad depth and coaching strategy.
The big question is, can Indonesia leverage supporter backing at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium to halt Thailand's ambitions? Or will Chanathip Songkrasin fulfill his promise to bring the trophy home to Bangkok? The answer will be revealed in a matter of weeks.
