Having already secured a place in the final with wins over Pakistan and Vietnam, Hudson rested several key players. Chanathip Songkrasin, Sarach Yooyen and Nicholas Mickelson started on the bench, while Jude Soonsup-Bell led the attack alongside Supachok Sarachat and Anan Yodsangwal.
Heavy rain before kickoff made the pitch slippery and delayed the start by an hour. The Philippines capitalized on Thailand’s slow start, opening the scoring in the third minute. Paul Tabinas crossed from the right, and Bjorn Martin Kristensen finished from close range.
It was the first goal Thailand had conceded in the tournament.
Bjorn Martin Kristensen celebrates after scoring against Thailand in the FIFA ASEAN Cup in Si Jalak Harupat, Bandung, Indonesia, Oct. 2, 2026.
Thailand pushed forward after falling behind but struggled to create clear chances. Their midfield passing lacked precision, allowing the Philippines to disrupt their attacks and preserve their lead into halftime.
Thailand equalized in the 55th minute through Iklas Sanron, who received a pass from Seksan Ratree before curling a shot into the net.
The goal gave Thailand greater momentum, and they created several chances. Jude Soonsup-Bell went one-on-one with the Philippine goalkeeper but failed to convert.
The Philippines immediately punished Thailand for the missed opportunity. In the 68th minute, Andre Leipold drove down the right flank and sent the ball into the box, where Kristensen finished from close range for his second goal of the match.
Hudson then introduced Chanathip and several other regular starters as Thailand sought another equalizer. Despite increased pressure, Thailand could not find a second goal and suffered their first defeat of the group stage.
The result did not affect Thailand’s place at the top of Group B, as they had already secured a spot in the final. The Philippines were also eliminated after Vietnam beat Pakistan 4-2 in the other Group B match.
Thailand will face Indonesia in the final on Oct. 5.