Forward Supachok has rejoined the Thailand national team for the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 after missing prior action because his club, Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, declined to release him. The 28-year-old attacker now prepares to face Vietnam in Group B on September 29 in Bandung, Indonesia.
The return of Supachok bolsters an attacking unit that also features Chanathip and Supachai, setting up a formidable frontline for the Thailand squad under English manager Anthony Hudson. According to the reporting outlet, the national team manager sought Supachok’s services for the regional tournament, but the Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo forward could not return previously because the competition fell outside the official FIFA Days window. Supachok is the number 7 of Thailand and has been the number 1 star of Thai football over the past 3 years, following Chanathip in wearing the Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo jersey and inheriting the role of leading the attack on the national team. Supachok and Chanathip return to the national team together, while Teerapat Prue-thong is another Thailand player wearing the Consadole Sapporo jersey.
Supachok Voices Pride and Ambition Ahead of FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026
Addressing his return to the national setup, Supachok expressed both enthusiasm and personal pride in representing his country on the regional stage. The sports outlet highlighted his eagerness to contribute to the squad’s championship campaign.
Supachok, Forward for Thailand and Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, stated via Siam Sport that he felt truly proud to be selected for the Thailand squad this time, expressed excitement and anticipation about participating in the historic Southeast Asian tournament, stated that he would fight with all his might both as a Thailand international and as a representative returning from Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, and urged supporters to cheer for him.
His club teammate, defender Teerapat Prue-thong, also expressed his determination before the team gathering. Teerapat Prue-thong stated that he would not be satisfied with merely securing a place in the squad, but would do his utmost to leverage his abilities and help the Thailand team win the FIFA ASEAN Cup, and later noted he aims to help the team claim the championship title at the FIFA ASEAN Cup.
Teerapat Prue-thong, Defender for Thailand and Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, stated via Dantri that he would not be satisfied with merely securing a place in the squad, but would do his utmost to leverage his abilities and help the Thailand team win the FIFA ASEAN Cup.
Renewed Rivalry Against Vietnam and Group B Stakes
The upcoming clash against Vietnam serves as a major focal point in Group B, which also includes the Philippines and Pakistan. For Supachok, the fixture brings back memories of past encounters, including a controversial goal during the ASEAN Cup. Supachok faced fierce criticism when he scored against Vietnam in the first leg of the ASEAN Cup final. At that time, a Vietnamese player was in pain and the ball was kicked out of bounds. Instead of returning the ball to the goalkeeper in accordance with the fair-play spirit in football, Supachok continued to dribble the ball and scored a long-range goal. The non-fair-play goal by Supachok was recognized, but Thailand still suffered an overall defeat. Afterwards, the Thailand star received further bitter disappointment when supporters voted it the most beautiful goal of the ASEAN Cup 2026. Supachok also faced criticism for scoring a controversial goal against the Vietnam national team in the second leg of the ASEAN Cup final. Many Thailand players currently in the squad have tasted defeat against Vietnam in recent ASEAN Cup tournaments, and the upcoming group-stage encounter on September 29 at Bandung (Indonesia) promises a high-stakes test for both national sides to see who is the superior collective to claim a ticket past the group stage.
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