Hosts for 2026 King's Cup Football Tournament
The Thai Football Association has officially opened applications for hosting the 52nd King's Cup football tournament.
The matches will be held late in the year, from 9 to 17 November 2026.
This year, the Association opened applications early to allow bidding provinces ample time to prepare thoroughly in every aspect.
The requirements aim to upgrade and improve infrastructure and facilities, such as competition and training stadiums within the provinces.
This will help Thailand have more sports venues meeting international standards as defined by the AFC and FIFA.
Any province that meets the basic criteria for international matches, such as:
– Competition stadiums, laboratories, and facilities meeting at least the minimum standards of Thai League or AFC (since this is a 4-team tournament, at least 3 training fields and 4 dressing rooms at the competition venue are required).
– Competition stadium lighting meeting standards of no less than 1,800 Lux.
– Training fields meeting standards with lighting of no less than 800 Lux, at least 3 fields.
– Hotels rated 4-5 stars sufficient to accommodate all personnel, including teams, referees, and organizing staff.
– Availability of international and halal food.
– Convenient transportation from international and domestic airports without excessive distance.
– Qualified organizing personnel.
Interested provinces can submit their applications now until 31 March 2026 by sending documents to the Football Association of Thailand or via e-mail at info@fathailand.org.
Download the application form to host at >>>> https://bit.ly/4019BLk
For further inquiries about the details, contact the Competition Department, Football Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage, at competitions.events@fathailand.org.
Following the announcement, one province has already shown serious interest in hosting the King's Cup this time.
That is Sisaket Province, a sports and football city in the lower northeastern region, which has expressed desire to host the King's Cup for several years but lacked the opportunity.
This year, Dr. Siripong Angkasungkhawit, government spokesperson and prospective Member of Parliament for Sisaket Province District 1 from the Bhumjaithai Party, seems to believe all factors are now ready.
He shared the news post about the call for host applications for the 52nd King's Cup with the comment, “Let's go.”
Dr. Siripong said he has instructed the Sisaket Sports Association to prepare the documents for submission.
He admitted they've been interested for many years but never had the chance. He is glad the Football Association officially opened applications, giving every province the opportunity to bid.
He hopes the competition will be held in Sisaket to inspire local youth.
Sisaket Province is well prepared, with two stadiums meeting standards.
This time, they plan to use the Sisaket Provincial Sports Authority Stadium, which has a 12,000-seat capacity, as the main competition venue.
This stadium has previously hosted numerous international competitions and currently serves as the home ground of Rasi Salai United, the Thai League 2 leaders.
It also hosted a friendly match where the Thai national team defeated Turkmenistan in May 2022.
Other provinces also have suitable stadiums ready to host the King's Cup, equally competitive.
These include Ratchaburi Stadium, home to Ratchaburi FC, the 'Dragon Kings', in Ratchaburi Province.
United Stadium, home of Chiang Rai United, the 'Giant Hornbills', in Chiang Rai Province.
Big Han, Mitti Tiyapairat, had proposed hosting two years ago; it remains to be seen if they are still interested this year.
Also, Chonburi Province, with Chonburi Stadium, home of Chonburi FC, the 'Sharks', is a strong candidate.
Additionally, Chang Arena, home of champions Buriram United,
is always ready to host if the club owner wishes to take on the challenge again.
They previously hosted the King's Cup once, although the Thai national team finished last that year.
Let's watch closely in the remaining month or so, beyond Sisaket,
to see if any other provinces will submit bids to host the 2026 King's Cup!!!
- Bee Bangpakong -