"Hudson-Picha" speak honestly about Thailand's national team regarding the World Cup expansion to 64 teams, and its impact.
On 14 July 2026, Anthony Hudson, head coach of Thailand's national team, and Picha Uttha, midfielder from True Bangkok United, gave interviews after 24 players reported at Novotel Future Park Rangsit Hotel to prepare for the 2026 ASEAN Football Championship.
Both were asked about the proposal to increase the FIFA World Cup final tournament teams from 48 to 64 after the 2026 World Cup, which could increase Thailand's chances of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in history by adding more continental quota spots.
On this matter, Anthony Hudson said, "FIFA's plan to increase the number of teams in the World Cup finals is a positive development for countries like ours. Having worked with many national teams, I see that expanding the World Cup creates opportunities for many nations."
"This benefits not only the value of the national teams but also investments and the overall development of the countries involved. It will encourage national teams with lower rankings, who have never participated in the World Cup, to develop further—improving their leagues and youth systems, which is good for the national teams."
Meanwhile, Picha Uttha, who has returned to the Thailand senior national team for the first time in over two years, said, "The topic of increasing World Cup slots hasn't been discussed much yet. For me, regarding the additional quota, everyone wants to perform well now to reach that point and demonstrate our readiness."
Regarding his current condition, Picha Uttha revealed, "I am fully fit. Bangkok United only resumed training yesterday, so I prepared during the break by training online with the club for about two to three weeks."
"I believe every experience in every league is valuable. It depends on how the athlete adjusts and adapts in future leagues. I think significant adjustments are necessary."
"Because this team has new players and some who were previously called up but haven't been for a while, we must learn and adjust to each other. I think the time we have is sufficient if everyone works hard. The goal is to focus on doing our best and moving in the same direction."
25 July 2026
20:00 Laos vs. Thailand
Lao National Stadium 16
1 August 2026
20:00 Thailand vs. Malaysia
Rajamangala Stadium
4 August 2026
20:00 Philippines vs. Thailand
New Clark City Athletic Stadium
8 August 2026
20:00 Thailand vs. Myanmar
Rajamangala Stadium
Broadcast live on: TrueVisions Now application
The semifinals and finals will be played home and away, with semifinals on 15-16 August and 18-19 August 2026, and finals on 22 August and 26 August 2026.
