ASEAN Cup 2026: Why Is Singapore Football Improving?

While the 2024 ASEAN Cup signaled Singapore's comeback after a prolonged slump, the 2026 edition demonstrates that the Lions have made considerable progress in their quest to regain past glory.

In just two years, the Singapore team has shown a clear change in both appearance and character. At the 2024 ASEAN Cup, Singapore impressed by reaching the semi-finals as group runners-up. However, in the semi-finals, the gap with the region's top teams became evident as they lost to Vietnam 1-5 on aggregate over two legs.

The Progress of Singapore Football

Nevertheless, the Singapore team at that time introduced a promising group of players, including Kyoga Nakamura, who had been naturalized just about a month before the 2024 ASEAN Cup.

Moving to the 2026 ASEAN Cup, the image of the Singapore team is completely different. After the first three matches, coach Gavin Lee's side leads Group A with 7 points, ahead of Indonesia and Vietnam. Notably, Singapore has performed better when facing major challenges.

The draw with Vietnam is a clear example, as Singapore kept a clean sheet away from home.

For the Singapore team, the goal-scoring task does not rely solely on the two strikers Ilhan Fandi and Shawal Anuar. The midfielders are also directly involved in creating chances and finding the net.

A typical example of this change is Song Ui-Young. The South Korean-born player, naturalized in Singapore since 2021, brings a strong energy to Gavin Lee's team. In the match against Cambodia, Song was pulled by the shirt in stoppage time but still continued to dribble and then assisted Ilhan Fandi for the decisive goal. Later, Song himself scored in the match against Timor-Leste. Notably, Song could not participate in the 2024 ASEAN Cup because he had to return to South Korea to care for his mother, and he is very determined to be part of this year's tournament.

Additionally, Kyoga Nakamura has now become the leader of Singapore's midfield.

The Fighting Spirit of Singapore Has Changed

Another difference is the fighting spirit of the Singapore team. At the 2026 ASEAN Cup, the Lions showed cohesion and composure. Even when pressured by Vietnam at times, the Singapore players did not waver and maintained solidity in defense.

Furthermore, coach Gavin Lee of Singapore is proving his touch. The 1990-born coach took the team for a two-week training camp in Japan, where they lost to clubs such as FC Ryukyu and Okinawa SV.

Mr. Gavin Lee's goal was to get the Singapore players accustomed to high pressure and difficult situations in preparation for the 2026 ASEAN Cup. That is why the Singapore team did not crumble when pressured by Vietnam at My Dinh Stadium.

Singapore's progress also reflects the country's long-term development strategy in recent years, including investment in and development of young players and coaches.

Singapore football once experienced a long period of disappointment, but recently the Lions have shown positive signs, including qualifying for the 2026 Asian Cup. This is evidence that Singapore football is on the right track under coach Gavin Lee. Now, the Lions are full of confidence ahead of their final group stage match against Indonesia on August 7.