Singapore has been drawn into Group A for the upcoming ASEAN Hyundai Cup
2026, the newly renamed edition of the ASEAN Championship.
Gavin Lee’s Lions will line up alongside 2024 champions Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, and the winner of the play-off between Timor-Leste and Brunei Darussalam in the 30th anniversary edition of the regional tournament, which is scheduled to run from 24 July to 26 August.
Further details, including venues and fixtures, will be announced in due course.
The official draw was conducted earlier today in Jakarta, Indonesia. The tournament featured ten nations competing in a single round-robin format across two groups, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the home-and-away semi-finals beginning on 15 August. The two-legged final is scheduled for 22 and 26 August.
Group B comprises Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Myanmar and Laos.
Reflecting on the upcoming tournament, Lee said: “The draw presents a strong and exciting challenge for us, an opportunity for growth. Our priority is to focus on ourselves, prepare thoroughly, and make sure the players are ready to go into every match ready to win.
“This tournament is an important part of our preparations for the Asian Cup, giving us the chance to test ourselves against strong opposition in difficult conditions while building the experience needed to compete at the highest level. The homework starts now.”
Singapore have won the title four times, with the Lions’ last victory coming in 2012. In the last edition of the tourney, a 0-0 draw against hosts Malaysia on 20 December 2024 helped the Lions reach the semi-finals, but they fell 5-1 on aggregate to eventual winners, Vietnam.
“Getting back to the semi-finals in the last edition reminded us how much it means to Singaporeans, and we want to do well in the tournament again,” said Lions captain Hariss Harun.
“We’ve grown a lot as a squad, and now, with the Asian Cup ahead, everyone is raring to go and see how far we can push ourselves. Singaporeans have stood by us, and we want to keep making them proud by showing our fighting spirit and togetherness on the pitch.”
