Vietnam's rival finalizes squad for ASEAN Cup, confident after training camp in Japan

The Singapore national team has unveiled its final 25-player list for the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026, combining seasoned campaigners with emerging youngsters who are anticipated to inject fresh energy into "The Lions".

Head coach Gavin Lee has placed his trust in a familiar core, including captain Hariss Harun, center-back Irfan Fandi, midfielders Song Ui-young and Kyoga Nakamura, along with strikers Ilhan Fandi and Shawal Anuar. The final squad consists of three goalkeepers, nine defenders, eleven midfielders, and two forwards.

The squad was finalized after about a month of preparation, starting with a training camp on June 23. A key highlight of Singapore's preparation was a 12-day training stint in Okinawa, Japan, where the team played friendlies against FC Ryukyu, Okinawa SV, and Albirex Niigata to sharpen their match intensity ahead of the Southeast Asian championship.

Assessing the preparation process, Coach Gavin Lee stated that the coaching staff proactively selected quality opponents to create a competitive environment closely resembling the actual conditions of the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026.

"It's not just about the results. We want the players to learn how to stay calm under pressure, improve their game control, and build the team's playing identity," the 34-year-old tactician shared on the official website of the Football Association of Singapore (FAS).

One notable aspect of the training camp was the presence of 18-year-old left-back Luth Harith, the only young face called up in the initial squad. Mr. Gavin Lee praised the Young Lions player for bringing fresh energy and viewed this as an opportunity for him to gain experience at the national team level.

During the preparation, the Singapore team also made a squad adjustment when defender Irfan Najeeb withdrew due to injury and was replaced by Akram Azman before the official 25-player list was announced.

According to FAS, the training camp in Japan helped the Singapore team improve their physical foundation, enhance tactical organization, and strengthen cohesion among players ahead of the tournament.

In the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026, Singapore is placed in Group A alongside defending champions Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Timor-Leste.

According to the schedule, Coach Gavin Lee and his squad will play away against Vietnam on July 30 in a match considered crucial for the race to secure a semi-final spot.