Soong Yoke Meng has publicly backed the Malaysian national team to win the Thomas Cup, asserting that the current squad is one of the most balanced in recent history. Speaking on the team's prospects for the 2026 tournament, he emphasized that having a world-class talent like Lee Zii Jia at the "First Singles" position provides a psychological and tactical advantage that trickles down to the rest of the team. Yoke Meng argued that Zii Jia’s ability to secure the opening point is crucial for building momentum in a team format where early leads often dictate the final outcome.

The analysis highlights that Malaysia’s strength is no longer reliant on a single player, as the nation now boasts high-ranking doubles pairs and emerging second and third singles talents. Yoke Meng noted that the synergy between the independent players and the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) players is at an all-time high, creating a unified front that can challenge powerhouses like China and Indonesia. He believes that if the team maintains this cohesion and Zii Jia performs at his peak, Malaysia is "strong enough" to end its 34-year wait for the prestigious trophy.

However, Yoke Meng also stressed the importance of injury management and mental preparation as the squad enters the final stages of the competition. He cautioned that while the talent is undeniable, the Thomas Cup is a test of nerves where pressure can lead to uncharacteristic errors. By centering the strategy around Zii Jia’s leadership on the court, Yoke Meng believes the younger players will feel more emboldened to play their natural game, ultimately making Malaysia the team to beat in this year's edition.