Laos host Thailand at the New Laos National Stadium in Vientiane for their opening game of the 2026 ASEAN Championship in Group B. Ranked 185th in the world, Laos are making their 15th appearance in the competition, as the Southeast Asian minnows have only ever missed the 2016 edition.

But interestingly, they have never made it beyond the group stages of the tournament and have won only two games in its history: both against Cambodia in 1996 and then in 2004.

Vladica Grujic's side face another daunting challenge if they are to progress into the next round of the championship, with Malaysia, the Philippines, and Myanmar also in the group.

Laos have called up 30 players for the ASEAN Championship, including key midfielder Bounphachan Bounkong and young attacking starlet Chony Waenpaseuth, while 10 players are uncapped.

Thailand have never failed to qualify for the ASEAN Championship before, while also winning it for a record seven times in their history. They've finished as the runners-up on four other occasions, including in the last edition two years ago.

The War Elephants come into the 2026 tournament on the back of a seven-game unbeaten run, winning five in a row before consecutive draws against Kuwait and China.

Head coach Anthony Hudson has called up 25 players for the ASEAN Championship, including key forward Patrik Gustavsson. The 25-year-old has bagged eight goals for Thailand in just 11 appearances, while veteran midfielder Sarach Yooyen is the most capped player in the squad with 88 appearances.

This is a clash of David vs Goliath in the ASEAN Championship, as Thailand are overwhelming favorites to prevail over Laos.

Prediction: Laos 0-2 Thailand

Tip 1 - Result: Thailand to win

Tip 2 - Goals over/under 2.5: Under 2.5 goals

Tip 3 - Both teams to score: No

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