Turning crisis into opportunity: The 2026 World Cup is fiercely contested in the knockout stage.
Turning crisis into opportunity.
The 2026 World Cup is fiercely contested in the knockout stage.
Two favorites, the “Die Mannschaft” Germany and the “Orange Lions” Netherlands, were upset by underdogs Paraguay and Morocco respectively in penalty shootouts.
They were knocked out in the round of 32, leaving experts stunned as if “wise men were caught off guard.”
Meanwhile, the “top contender” France remains unstoppable, recently thrashing Sweden 3-0.
Thanks to a double from “Chairman Target” Kylian Mbappé, the French captain who has scored six goals to lead the top scorers chart.
Alongside the experienced Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, who has been netting goals relentlessly, defying his nearly 40 years of age.
We'll have to wait and see which nation ultimately triumphs in this World Cup.
Who will be fulfilled in raising the FIFA trophy with joy… Banglamphu.
As for our “Thailand national team,” whether they will make it to the World Cup finals remains uncertain—perhaps not in this generation.
Because in football, reaching that level cannot be rushed or shortcut.
Every step and stage requires a clear, concrete “strategy.”
Only then can success be achieved without merely “imagining” it, as has happened before.
So, the question is, does Thai football have this yet?
Especially the current “vision” for national team development—what is it exactly? Someone please answer.
For now, let's not dream about the “World Cup.”
Because it seems increasingly distant from us every day.
Let's focus on the ASEAN Football Championship, or the “ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026,” often called the “ASEAN World Cup,” first.
What is the goal of the War Elephants team?
This tournament will start right after the World Cup, from 25 Jul 2026 GMT+7 onward.
A major challenge for Thailand is the difficulty of calling up players for the competition.
This is because the tournament is not on the “FIFA calendar.”
Therefore, clubs have the right to refuse to release their players since it coincides with the pre-season training.
The most sympathetic figure is “Anthony Hudson,” the English coach.
He must assemble the best possible War Elephants squad appropriate for the situation.
Under intense pressure, even though his team has not lost a match yet.
But overall, the team's performances have not impressed the critics.
In fact, they may even be regressing.
Current reports say from the 50 players Hudson called up,
only about 23-25 have been approved for release by their clubs.
Most are veterans mixed with some U23 youth players.
So when the matches come, there might be no need for cuts as the squad size matches the players available perfectly.
Therefore, aiming to reclaim the ASEAN championship looks challenging this time.
It seems this attempt will be difficult.
Hence, the best solution for the ASEAN Cup tournament must change from previous years when the sole goal was winning the title.
From now on, it should be a platform to develop young talents gaining international experience.
Especially the youthful War Elephants U23 players should be given maximum playing time.
Including “Mik” Yotsakorn Burapha, “C4” Kakhana Kamyok, and “Golf” Seksan Ratri,
as well as Chavalwit Saelao, Phichitchai Siarkratok, Chaipol Adtan, and Usama Tiangkam.
If their clubs allow, these players must be starters in almost every match.
Because these young players represent the new generation of the national team preparing for the 2030 World Cup qualifiers soon.
Match results will be secondary.
The Football Association must help the entire country's fans understand this approach.
That our national team building and development will follow this path.
Everyone is asked to be patient and support the youngsters to develop fully from now on.
Let’s turn the crisis of player call-up issues in the ASEAN Cup into an opportunity.
And build the future of Thailand’s national team... together!
- B. Bangpakong -