Thai football official questions Vietnam’s ‘pride’ over Brazilian-born players ahead of ASEAN Cup final

Thailand's football vice president, Charnwit Pholchivin, has questioned the inclusion of Brazilian-born players on Vietnam's national team ahead of the 2026 ASEAN Cup final. Describing the squad as "Vietnam Plus," Charnwit, also known as "Ajarn Rang," expressed concerns about the direction of national team development in Southeast Asian football.

He emphasized that while Thailand would not be intimidated by Vietnam, it raised questions about the use of foreign players in the context of an ASEAN tournament. The comments were made in the lead-up to a two-leg final between Thailand and Vietnam, with the first leg scheduled for 22 August at Rajamangala Stadium in Thailand, followed by the second leg on 26 August at My Dinh Stadium in Vietnam.

Charnwit highlighted that Thailand's chances would largely depend on head coach Anthony Hudson's planning and player selection, given several key players' unavailability. He described Vietnam's current squad as a unique blend of traditional Vietnamese players and those of Brazilian heritage, contrasting it with the team Thailand traditionally faces.

Charnwit also noted the varying approaches to national team development across the region, such as Singapore's limited resources and the situations in Malaysia and Vietnam, sparking debates among ASEAN football fans. However, he stressed that Thailand had no intention of interfering in other countries' decisions, reaffirming its readiness to play against any team that joins ASEAN.

The two-leg final will not only determine the rivalry between Thailand and Vietnam but also ignite broader discussions on national team building and maintaining a football identity in Southeast Asia.