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Laos national football team facts for kids

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This page is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Laos women's national football team.
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Laos
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s) ລ້ານຊ້າງ / Lan Sang
(Million Elephants)
Association Lao Football Federation
Confederation AFC (Asia)
Sub-confederation AFF (Southeast Asia)
Head coach Vacant
Captain Bounphachan Bounkong
Most caps Soukaphone Vongchiengkham (57)
Top scorer Visay Phaphouvanin (18)
Home stadium New Laos National Stadium
FIFA code LAO
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 184 Steady (7 February 2019)
Highest 134 (September 1998)
Lowest 210 (August 2012)
Elo ranking
Current 221 Decrease 9 (3 March 2019)
Highest 142 (1961)
Lowest 224 (June 2019)
First international
 South Vietnam 7–0 Laos 
(Rangoon, Burma; 12 December 1961)
Biggest win
 Laos 6–1 East Timor 
(Vientiane, Laos; 26 October 2010)
Biggest defeat
 United Arab Republic 15–0 Laos 
(Jakarta, Indonesia; 15 November 1963)
AFC Solidarity Cup
Appearances 1 (first in 2016)
Best result Third place (2016)
AFF Championship
Appearances 12 (first in 1996)
Best result Group stage

The Laos national football team (Lao: ທິມຊາດ ບານເຕະ ແຫ່ງຊາດ ລາວ; French: Équipe du Laos de football) is the men's national football team that represents the Lao People's Democratic Republic. It is affiliated with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the regional ASEAN Football Federation (AFF).

History

Laos established their national football association in 1951. The South East Asian nation is still waiting to make its entrance into a major international competition. Laos have never qualified for the FIFA World Cup, AFC Asian Cup or Asian Games and as an international side, their appearances have been restricted to regional tournaments such as the Southeast Asian Games and the AFF Championship. After years of internal strife, Laos focused on economic and political recovery. With the country achieving political stability, football has made an impact on Laotians.

Since making their appearance at the 1995 Southeast Asian Games, Laos has competed in the inaugural 1996 AFF Championship, drawing against Vietnam 1–1 and winning against Cambodia 1–0. Although they are new to the regional tournaments, Laos has displayed a fiery passion and talent. In 1995, they beat Brunei and Philippines and two years later in the 1997 Southeast Asian Games held in Jakarta, they also beat Malaysia 1–0 and Philippines 4–1. Domestic competitions are also active with over 60 clubs competing at various levels. Domestic football is amateur although most of the top teams are drawn from government ministries and public services. In the qualifying preliminary rounds for the 2004 Asian Cup, Laos beat Bangladesh 2–1. In the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification, Laos qualified for the second round as a lucky loser after Guam and Nepal both withdrew from the competition, but proceeded to lose all its games (against Qatar, Iran and Jordan). They also advanced to the second round of the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, after defeating Cambodia 8–6 on aggregate. In the second round, they lost to China 13–3 on aggregate. Laos has defeated their much more established counterparts such as Brunei, Cambodia, Philippines, Singapore and Malaysia. Laos' first appearance in a continental tournament was in 2014, when they played at the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup. In 2016, Laos were invited to the inaugural 2016 AFC Solidarity Cup held in Kuching being grouped with Macau, Sri Lanka and Mongolia. In the first match, Laos won Sri Lanka 2–0 before losing to Macau 1–4 but bounced back with another win against Mongolia 3–0 sending the team to the knockout stage. They would go on to face Nepal in the semi-finals and were 2–2 at the end of extra time but lost in the penalty shootout, thus bowing out from the cup.

In 2023, Laos participated in the first round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification facing against Nepal. On 12 October 2023, Laos contested in a 1–1 draw at the Dasharath Rangasala in Kathmandu.

Results and fixtures

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

      Win       Draw       Loss       Fixture

2023

2024

Coaching staff

Sundramoorthy2
In October 2018, V. Sundramoorthy became the head coach of the Laos national football team. He was joined by V. Selvaraj who managed Laos' youth teams and also assisted him in the senior team. In October 2021, Sundramoorthy became the Technical Director of the team while Selvaraj took over his head coach position.
Position Name
Technical director Singapore V. Sundramoorthy
Team manager Laos Nitar Thatsanithone
Head coach Vacant
Assistant coach Laos Viengsavanh Sayyaboun
Laos Phoutpasong Sengdalavong
Goalkeeper coach Laos Chanthakhad Siengpongsai
Team doctor Laos Banchong Jinda
Laos Buaphan Sihavong
Laos Chanthit Inchai
Equipment manager Laos Savai Olathai
Team management Laos Outtama Khangmanivong
Media manager Laos Thaiphakone Phakasy

Coaching history

Players

Current squad

The following 23 players were selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification – AFC first round against Nepal on 12 and 17 October 2023.

Caps and goals as of 27 September 2023, after the match against the Nepal.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1 1GK Kop Lokphathip (2006-05-08) 8 May 2006 (age 18) 0 0 Laos Ezra
18 1GK Xaysavath Souvanhansok (1999-09-03) 3 September 1999 (age 25) 8 0 Laos Namtha United
21 1GK Anoulak Vilaphone (2001-02-15) 15 February 2001 (age 23) 0 0 Laos Master 7
2 2DF Phoutthavong Sangvilay (2004-10-16) 16 October 2004 (age 19) 13 2 Laos Ezra
3 2DF Vanna Bounlovongsa (1998-11-21) 21 November 1998 (age 25) 4 0 Laos HBT 941
4 2DF Anantaza Siphongphan (2004-11-09) 9 November 2004 (age 19) 14 0 Laos Ezra
5 2DF Thipphachanh Inthavong (1999-08-14) 14 August 1999 (age 25) 10 0 Laos Young Elephants
12 2DF Chittakone Vannachone (2004-12-24) 24 December 2004 (age 19) 0 0 Laos Luang prabang
13 2DF Thanouthong Kietnalonglop (2001-03-05) 5 March 2001 (age 23) 3 0 Laos Young Elephants
16 2DF Xayasith Singsavang (2000-12-13) 13 December 2000 (age 23) 0 0 Laos Namtha United
19 2DF Inthachak Sisouphan (2001-05-21) 21 May 2001 (age 23) 2 0 Laos Luang Prabang
20 2DF Sengdaovy Hanthavong (1998-10-04) 4 October 1998 (age 25) 0 0 Laos Young Elephants
22 2DF Aphixay Thanakhanty (1998-07-15) 15 July 1998 (age 26) 8 0 Laos Ezra
6 3MF Chanthavixay Khounthoumphone (2004-02-17) 17 February 2004 (age 20) 11 0 Laos Ezra
8 3MF Michael Vang (2000-05-13) 13 May 2000 (age 24) 3 0 United States Miami
14 3MF Chanthaviphone Phoumsavanh (2005-06-19) 19 June 2005 (age 19) 0 0 Laos Namtha United
15 3MF Damoth Thongkhamsavath (2004-04-03) 3 April 2004 (age 20) 3 0 Laos Ezra
23 3MF Phoutdavy Phommasane (1994-02-02) 2 February 1994 (age 30) 11 0 Laos Master 7
7 4FW Anousone Xaypanya (2002-12-16) 16 December 2002 (age 21) 9 0 Laos Ezra
9 4FW Kydavone Souvanny (1999-12-22) 22 December 1999 (age 24) 10 1 Laos Young Elephants
10 4FW Chony Wenpaserth (2002-11-27) 27 November 2002 (age 21) 13 1 Laos Ezra
11 4FW Soukphachan Lueanthala (2002-08-24) 24 August 2002 (age 22) 0 0 Laos Master 7
17 4FW Bounphachan Bounkong (captain) (2000-11-29) 29 November 2000 (age 23) 23 4 Cambodia Svay Rieng

Recent call-ups

The following players have also been called up to the Laos squad within the last twelve months.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
DF Nalongsit Chanthalangsy (2001-12-03) 3 December 2001 (age 22) 12 1 Laos Namtha United 2023 Prime Minister's Three Nations Cup
DF At Viengkham (2000-10-24) 24 October 2000 (age 23) 9 0 Laos Master 7 2023 Prime Minister's Three Nations Cup
DF Phetdavanh Somsanid (2004-04-24) 24 April 2004 (age 20) 5 0 Laos Master 7 2023 Prime Minister's Three Nations Cup
DF Phonsack Seesavath (2004-10-04) 4 October 2004 (age 19) 4 0 Laos Young Elephants 2023 Prime Minister's Three Nations Cup
MF Soukaphone Vongchiengkham (1992-03-09) 9 March 1992 (age 32) 58 15 Thailand Nakhon Si United 2023 Prime Minister's Three Nations Cup
MF Sonexay Phanhthaxay (2001-06-10) 10 June 2001 (age 23) 0 0 Laos Master 7 2023 Prime Minister's Three Nations Cup
MF Thanongsay Rammangkoun (2003-04-12) 12 April 2003 (age 21) 2 0 Laos Namtha United 2023 Prime Minister's Three Nations Cup
MF Raphaël Merkies (2002-04-15) 15 April 2002 (age 22) 0 0 Hong Kong Southern
FW Vannasone Douangmaity (1997-03-15) 15 March 1997 (age 27) 10 1 Laos Namtha United 2023 Prime Minister's Three Nations Cup

Records

Players in bold are still active with Laos.

Most appearances

SoukaphoneVongchiengkamUthaiThani20Feb2021
Soukaphone Vongchiengkham is Laos' most capped player with 57 appearances.
Rank Player Caps Goals Period
1 Soukaphone Vongchiengkham 57 15 2010–present
2 Saynakhonevieng Phommapanya 54 2 2006–2016
3 Visay Phaphouvanin 51 18 2002–2013
4 Khampheng Sayavutthi 50 15 2010–2017
5 Phoutthasay Khochalern 43 1 2013–present
6 Ketsada Souksavanh 36 3 2008–2014
7 Keoviengphet Liththideth 35 4 2010–2018
Khamphoumy Hanvilay 35 0 2011–2016
9 Khonesavanh Sihavong 34 6 2012–2017
10 Chalana Luang-Amath [vi] 32 5 1996–2004

Top goalscorers

Rank Player Goals Caps Ratio Period
1 Visay Phaphouvanin 18 51 0.35 2002–2013
2 Khampheng Sayavutthi 15 50 0.3 2010–2017
Soukaphone Vongchiengkham 15 57 0.26 2010–present
4 Bounlap Khenkitisack 6 16 0.38 1993–2000
Lamnao Singto 6 20 0.3 2004–2011
Phithack Kongmathilath 6 23 0.26 2017–present
Phatthana Syvilay 6 31 0.19 2010–2016
Khonesavanh Sihavong 6 34 0.18 2012–2017
9 Kanlaya Sysomvang 5 19 0.26 2010–2012
Sitthideth Khanthavong 5 24 0.21 2012–2016
Chalana Luang-Amath [vi] 5 32 0.16 1996–2004

Competition records

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup FIFA World Cup qualification
Year Round Pld W D L F A Pld W D L F A
1930 to 1950 Part of  France Part of  France
1954 to 1998 Did not enter Did not enter
South Korea Japan 2002 Did not qualify 6 1 1 4 3 40
Germany 2006 8 0 1 7 3 36
South Africa 2010 Did not enter Did not enter
Brazil 2014 Did not qualify 4 1 0 3 9 21
Russia 2018 8 1 1 6 6 29
Qatar 2022 2 0 1 1 0 1
Canada Mexico United States 2026 2 0 1 1 1 2
Morocco Portugal Spain 2030 To be determined To be determined
Saudi Arabia 2034
Total 0/19 – – – – – – 30 3 5 22 22 129

AFC Asian Cup

AFC Asian Cup record AFC Asian Cup qualification
Year Round Position Pld W D L GF GA Pld W D L GF GA
Hong Kong 1956 Did not enter Did not enter
South Korea 1960
Israel 1964
Iran 1968
Thailand 1972 Withdrew Withdrew
Iran 1976
Kuwait 1980
Singapore 1984 Did not enter Did not enter
Qatar 1988
Japan 1992
United Arab Emirates 1996
Lebanon 2000 Did not qualify 3 1 0 2 2 14
China 2004 2 1 0 1 3 6
Indonesia Malaysia Thailand Vietnam 2007 Did not enter Did not enter
Qatar 2011
Australia 2015 Did not qualify AFC Challenge Cup
United Arab Emirates 2019 12 1 2 9 8 41
Qatar 2023 2 0 1 1 0 1
Saudi Arabia 2027 To be determined To be determined
Total – 0/18 – – – – – – 19 3 3 13 13 62

Asian Games

Asian Games record
Year Result M W D L GF GA
Thailand 1998 21st 2 0 0 2 1 11
2002–present See Laos national under-23 football team
Total 1/13 2 0 0 2 1 11

AFC Challenge Cup

AFC Challenge Cup record
Year Round Pos Pld W D L GF GA
Bangladesh 2006 Removed by AFC
India 2008 Withdrew
Sri Lanka 2010 did not enter
Nepal 2012 did not qualify
Maldives 2014 Group stage 8/8 3 0 1 2 1 7
Total Group stage 1/5 3 0 1 2 1 7

AFC Solidarity Cup

AFC Solidarity Cup record
Year Result Pld W D L GF GA
Malaysia 2016 Third place 5 3 1 1 11 9

AFF Championship

This competition was formerly known as the Tiger Cup

AFF Championship record Qualification record
Year Round Pos Pld W D L GF GA Pld W D L GF GA
Singapore 1996 Group stage 7th 4 1 1 2 5 10 No qualification
Vietnam 1998 7th 3 0 1 2 2 8 2 1 0 1 2 4
Thailand 2000 9th 4 0 0 4 0 16 No qualification
Indonesia Singapore 2002 8th 3 0 1 2 3 8
Malaysia Vietnam 2004 8th 4 1 0 3 4 16
Singapore Thailand 2007 8th 3 0 0 3 1 23 4 3 1 0 11 6
Indonesia Thailand 2008 8th 3 0 0 3 0 13 4 3 0 1 9 7
Indonesia Vietnam 2010 8th 3 0 1 2 3 13 3 1 2 0 8 3
Malaysia Thailand 2012 7th 3 0 1 2 6 10 4 2 1 1 5 4
Singapore Vietnam 2014 8th 3 0 0 3 2 12 4 3 0 1 10 6
Myanmar Philippines 2016 did not qualify 3 2 0 1 7 6
ASEAN 2018 Group stage 9th 4 0 0 4 3 12 Qualified automatically
Singapore 2020 9th 4 0 0 4 1 14
ASEAN 2022 9th 4 0 1 3 2 15
Total Group stage 13/14 45 2 6 37 32 170 24 15 4 5 52 36

Head-to-head record

Last match updated was against    Nepal on 17 October 2023

Key
Positive balance (more Wins)
Neutral balance (equal W/L ratio)
Negative balance (more Losses)
Opponents Pld W D L GF GA GD Confederation
 Afghanistan 3 0 2 1 1 3 -2 AFC
 Bangladesh 5 1 2 2 4 5 -1 AFC
 Bhutan 1 1 0 0 2 1 +1 AFC
 Brunei 11 10 0 1 30 15 +15 AFC
 Cambodia 17 6 3 8 24 30 -6 AFC
 China 2 0 0 2 3 13 −10 AFC
 Chinese Taipei 4 0 1 3 4 10 −6 AFC
 Egypt 1 0 0 1 0 15 -15 CAF
 Guam 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 AFC
 Hong Kong 3 0 0 3 3 13 −10 AFC
 India 2 0 0 2 1 7 −6 AFC
 Indonesia 10 0 1 9 9 45 −36 AFC
 Iran 3 0 0 3 1 20 −19 AFC
 Jordan 2 0 0 2 2 8 −6 AFC
 Kazakhstan 1 0 0 1 0 5 −5 UEFA
 Kuwait 2 1 0 1 3 2 +1 AFC
 Lebanon 2 0 0 2 0 9 −9 AFC
 Lesotho 1 0 0 1 1 3 -2 CAF
 Macau 2 0 0 2 2 7 -5 AFC
 Malaysia 19 1 5 13 10 59 −49 AFC
 Maldives 4 0 1 3 3 15 −12 AFC
 Mongolia 5 3 1 1 8 5 +3 AFC
 Myanmar 18 0 4 14 11 55 −44 AFC
   Nepal 6 0 3 3 5 9 −4 AFC
 Oman 0 0 0 2 0 19 −19 AFC
 Philippines 13 7 2 4 22 21 +1 AFC
 Qatar 0 0 0 2 1 11 −10 AFC
 Saudi Arabia 0 0 0 1 0 4 −4 AFC
 Singapore 13 1 1 11 12 42 −30 AFC
 South Korea 7 0 0 5 0 28 −28 AFC
 Sri Lanka 7 3 2 2 11 12 -1 AFC
 Syria 2 0 0 2 0 20 −20 AFC
 Thailand 12 1 1 10 14 45 −31 AFC
 East Timor 8 7 0 1 22 9 +13 AFC
 Turkmenistan 2 0 0 2 3 9 −6 AFC
 United Arab Emirates 3 0 0 3 0 9 −9 AFC
 Vietnam ^ 22 0 2 20 5 86 −81 AFC
Total (37) 212 42 30 140 217 667 −450

^ Includes the result of  North Vietnam and  South Vietnam

Honours

  • AFC Solidarity Cup
    • Med 3.png Third place (1): 2016
  • 2023 Prime Minister's Three Nations Cup
    • Med 2.png Runners-up (1): 2023

Kit suppliers

Kit supplier Period Notes
Germany Adidas 2004
Thailand Deffo 2006–2007
Thailand FBT 2008–2014
Thailand King Tiger 2015–2016
Thailand FBT 2016–2019
Thailand Grand Sport 2019–

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Laos para niños

  • Laos national football team
  • Laos national football team results
  • List of Laos international footballers
  • Laos national under-23 football team
  • Laos national under-21 football team
  • Laos national under-20 football team
  • Laos national under-17 football team
  • Laos national futsal team
  • Laos national under-20 futsal team
  • Laos national beach soccer team
  • Laos women's national football team
  • Laos women's national football team results
  • List of Laos women's international footballers
  • Laos women's national under-20 football team
  • Laos women's national under-17 football team
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