Thailand coach could be sacked if they lose to Vietnam again

From the training ground to the empty stands, I count a team's heartbeat through muddy boots. But in Bangkok, that heartbeat is racing with anxiety. Coach Anthony Hudson's seat is wobbling more than ever, and the rematch against Vietnam on September 29 could be the match that decides his fate. The context is far from comfortable. Thailand just endured a disappointing 2026 ASEAN Cup campaign, finishing as runners-up after losing 2-4 on aggregate to Vietnam over two legs. Earlier, in the June FIFA Days, they could only manage draws against Kuwait and China. These results have prompted Thai media, especially Daily News, to voice harsh criticism: "Cannot lose anymore." Public pressure is weighing heavily on the Football Association of Thailand (FAT), and sources suggest FAT may not have enough patience if the team continues to slide. Tactically, the article provides few specific details about formations or systems. But from the results, it's clear Thailand's defense showed fragility by conceding four goals over two legs against a regional rival. Conceding consistently in both matches suggests a systemic issue, not isolated individual errors. Meanwhile, the two draws against Kuwait and China – teams that play compact, defensive football – indicate Thailand struggled to break down massed defenses. This reflects a lack of attacking efficiency, a persistent problem rather than a temporary one. Hudson has argued that the poor results were partly due to squad unavailability. The 2026 ASEAN Cup was not held during FIFA Days and took place before the Thai League season started, preventing him from fielding his strongest squad. This is a valid reason, but it will no longer hold in the upcoming tournament. The September FIFA ASEAN Cup will fall within FIFA Days, meaning Hudson should have his full squad available. If he still fails, this excuse will not be accepted. Notably, Hudson once said Thailand needs to be "more serious." This phrasing suggests he recognizes the issue lies in mentality and focus, not in tactical systems. But can a mental adjustment be enough to overcome a Vietnam team that is on the rise? I have witnessed many teams in similar crises, and the answer often lies not in words but in how they handle pressure on the pitch. A contrarian view: blaming the schedule entirely could be a way to avoid responsibility. In reality, Thailand still has a quality squad, and losing 2-4 to Vietnam cannot be explained solely by missing a few key players. Looking deeper, Thailand's dominance in Southeast Asia has been eroding for some time, and this result is merely a reflection of a changing reality. Vietnam has risen to become the number one force, and Thailand is now just the hunter. The context of the 2027 Asian Cup adds to the pressure. Thailand is drawn into a group with Japan, Qatar, and Indonesia – a so-called "group of death." Japan is a top Asian side, Qatar is the defending 2026 Asian Cup champion, and Indonesia is rapidly improving thanks to its naturalization policy. With this scenario, Thailand will almost certainly be competing for third or fourth place. If they don't improve their form before the tournament, the risk of elimination in the group stage is very real. Before that, the King's Cup against Oman, Bahrain, and Tajikistan will be an important test. It's an opportunity for Hudson to experiment with his squad and find the optimal solution. But if results are poor, pressure will mount ahead of the Vietnam match. On the governance side, FAT faces a difficult decision. They have more than three months before the Asian Cup to change coaches if needed, but changing managers mid-stream could cause disruption. The cost of terminating a contract and hiring a new coach is also a concern, though not mentioned in the article. However, if public opinion grows louder, FAT may be forced to act to appease fans. I remember the summer of 2026 when Hamburg were relegated in the rain, and I learned that failure is not an end but a school. But for Hudson, that school may close early if he doesn't pass the exam named Vietnam. In the garage, football doesn't need a big screen; it whispers through car horns and cigarette smoke. And in Bangkok, those whispers are saying: it's time to win, or leave. The match on September 29 is not just a football match. It's a survival battle for a coach, a test of character for a football nation, and a clear signal of the new power order in Southeast Asia. Can Thailand rise again? The answer will come from the pitch itself, where there is no room for regret.