The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) has raised eyebrows by inviting Brunei to replace Bahrain at the 2026 King's Cup, while the Vietnam national football team will not participate in the tournament.

Bahrain previously withdrew following changes to its coaching staff and adjustments to its international match schedule.

FAT subsequently sought a replacement and decided to offer the vacant place to Brunei, widely regarded as the weakest of the four participating national teams.

Brunei currently sits 196th in the FIFA world rankings, 99 places below Bahrain.

The Southeast Asian side also suffered a 6-1 aggregate defeat to Timor-Leste in the preliminary qualifying round of the 2026 ASEAN Cup.

Brunei's inclusion has prompted discussion among football analysts and regional supporters about the competitive standard of the 2026 King's Cup.

The 52nd edition of the tournament will feature hosts Thailand, Oman, Tajikistan and Brunei.

Oman and Tajikistan are considered formidable opponents, while Brunei is expected to face a difficult challenge against the other participants.

For Thailand, the 2026 King's Cup represents an opportunity to secure a trophy on home soil.

The War Elephants are under pressure after failing to win the ASEAN Cup or a SEA Games men's football gold medal since 2022. They have also lifted the King's Cup trophy only once in the tournament's last four editions.

Under the provisional schedule, the 2026 King's Cup will take place during the November FIFA international window, from November 9 to 17, in Thailand's Sisaket province.

Thien Binh