A football analysis of the match between Thailand National Team and Laos PDR in the 2026 ASEAN Championship on 25 July at 20:00 Thailand time.
On 25 July 2026, the opening Group B match of the ASEAN Football Championship 2026 will see the "War Elephants," Thailand’s national team and seven-time champions, visiting Laos PDR at the National Stadium in Laos with kickoff at 20:00.
This game is a crucial mission for coach Anthony Hudson's squad, aiming to start with a win to gain an advantage for advancing to the semifinals, especially with tough upcoming matches against Malaysia, the Philippines, and Myanmar in the same group.
Thailand National Team Football Analysis
Anthony Hudson, head coach of Thailand, recently led the team to a 0-0 draw away against China. For this tournament, he has chosen a mixed squad combining experienced players and several young talents. The core includes key players from Buriram United such as Chatthachai Butprom, Phassa Hemviboon, and Narubadin Weerawatnodom, all seasoned members. In midfield, Sarach Yooyen, Pakorn Anan, and rising star Chawawit Saelao from Thai League 3, called up to the senior team for the first time, provide strength. Up front, hopes rest on Teerasak Phepymai and Yotsakorn Burapha.
For this match, given the mixed squad, goalkeeper Kampol Pathomakkakul is expected to start, with defenders Manuel Tom Bihr and Phassa Hemviboon forming the center-back pairing. The midfield will be led by Sarach Yooyen and Seksan Ratri, while the attack will feature Teerasak Phepymai partnered with Yotsakorn Burapha.
Projected starting XI in a 4-4-2 formation: Kampol Pathomakkakul (GK); Narubadin Weerawatnodom, Phassa Hemviboon, Manuel Tom Bihr, Wanchai Jarunongkran; Seksan Ratri, Sarach Yooyen, Kakhana Kamyok, Chawawit Saelao; Teerasak Phepymai, Yotsakorn Burapha.
Laos National Team Football Analysis
Vladika Grujic, head coach of Laos PDR, recently secured a 1-0 victory over Nepal in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers last March. This squad mainly relies on domestic league players mixed with those playing in Thailand’s league and Cambodia. The team is led by captain and forward Bunpajan Bunkong, alongside notable players Payak Siphanom, a star from the Thai 7-Color Football Club Chainat Hornbill, and Phutthawong Sangvilay, a former left-back of BG Pathum United, all key contributors to the team.
Head-to-head record from the last five matches:
18 December 1999: Thailand 5-1 Laos PDR, ASEAN Football Championship (ASEAN Cup)
8 December 2008: Thailand 6-0 Laos PDR, ASEAN Football Championship (ASEAN Cup)
1 December 2010: Thailand 2-2 Laos PDR, ASEAN Football Championship (ASEAN Cup)
12 September 2012: Thailand 2-1 Laos PDR (Friendly match)
17 November 2024: Thailand 1-1 Laos PDR (Friendly match)
Thailand National Team’s ASEAN Championship 2026 match schedule:
Laos PDR vs Thailand on 25 July 2026 at 20:00, National Stadium, Laos.
Thailand vs Malaysia on 1 August 2026 at 20:00, Rajamangala Stadium.
Philippines vs Thailand on 4 August 2026 at 20:00, New Clark City Athletics Stadium.
Thailand vs Myanmar on 8 August 2026 at 20:00, Rajamangala Stadium.