Thailand's national football team coach, Anthony Hudson, has publicly endorsed Vietnam's approach to enhancing their squad by naturalizing Brazilian players. This statement comes as both teams prepare for the first leg of the ASEAN Cup 2026 final, scheduled to take place at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok.

Hudson's comments were made during a press conference where he addressed queries regarding the growing trend of player naturalization in Southeast Asian football. While the Vice President of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT), Charnwit Polcheewin, raised concerns about Vietnam's use of Brazilian-born players, Hudson countered that such practices are legitimate and align with FIFA regulations.

“I support Vietnam's method of naturalizing players. They are doing a great job in building a strong team,” Hudson stated. He expressed admiration for Vietnam's organized approach and the quality of their football, highlighting the presence of talented individuals and a clear developmental path for local youth players.

Vietnam's squad for the ASEAN Cup 2026 includes three naturalized Brazilian players: Nguyễn Xuân Son (Rafaelson), Đỗ Hoàng Hên (Hendrio), and Nguyễn Tài Lộc (Geovane Magno). All three players acquired Vietnamese citizenship after residing in the country for five years, which is consistent with local laws and FIFA rules. Son has notably scored five goals in the tournament, leading the scoring charts alongside Nguyễn Đình Bắc.

In contrast, Malaysia has also incorporated four naturalized players, while other teams like Singapore and Indonesia have followed suit with their own naturalization strategies. Thailand, however, has not utilized foreign-born players in their lineup but has been proactive in scouting for mixed-heritage athletes.

Hudson acknowledged that Thailand's current squad, which includes players of mixed descent, is not at full strength, as they have opted to blend experienced players with younger talent. He noted that reaching the final showcases Thailand's progress and development in their playing style.

He emphasized the need for confidence among Thai players, stating, “They possess many good qualities both individually and as a team. We must trust them to deliver their best performance in the final.” Hudson also recognized the pressure on Vietnam, who are seen as favorites due to their strong lineup and preparation leading up to the tournament.

The first leg of the ASEAN Cup 2026 final will kick off at 8 PM on Saturday, August 22, with the return leg scheduled to take place four days later at Mỹ Đình Stadium in Vietnam. Historical data indicates that the team that wins the first leg has a high chance of securing the championship, although exceptions have occurred.

As the rivalry between Thailand and Vietnam intensifies, both teams are eager to demonstrate their capabilities on this significant stage, with fans from both nations keenly anticipating the outcome.