Singapore have officially stepped up preparations for the ASEAN Championship Hyundai Cup 2026, with head coach Gavin Lee unveiling a 24-man squad for an intensive training camp that includes a high-profile pre-tournament tour of Japan.
The Lions will assemble for a centralised camp on 23 June before departing for Okinawa from 6 to 17 July, where they will face three Japanese clubs in a demanding series of friendlies designed to replicate the physical and tactical challenges expected at the regional championship.
Singapore will test themselves against FC Ryukyu (J3 League), Okinawa SV (J4 League) and Albirex Niigata (J2 League) as Lee looks to fine-tune his squad ahead of the tournament.
Lee explained that the choice of opposition was deliberate, with the coaching staff prioritising high-intensity fixtures over easier preparation matches.
“The opposition we’ve selected for this camp is very intentional.”
“As part of the final phase of our preparations, we will face three strong opponents in a short space of time. The schedule has been designed to test the team physically, mentally and tactically, while also challenging us to recover and prepare quickly between matches.”
“Those are the same demands we expect to face during the Hyundai Cup, so this camp is an important opportunity for us to adapt and continue growing as a group.”
Singapore have been drawn into a highly competitive Group A alongside defending champions Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Timor-Leste, who secured qualification after defeating Brunei Darussalam 6-1 on aggregate.
The biggest talking point from the squad announcement is the inclusion of 18-year-old full-back Luth Harith, who earns his first-ever senior national team selection after impressing at youth level.
Having previously represented Singapore’s Under-19 and Under-22 teams, the Young Lions defender is regarded as one of the country’s brightest defensive prospects.
Lee believes the youngster has already shown he belongs among the senior squad.
“Luth is someone who has shown good progress over the past year and it is clear that he is a player with potential.”
“He brings youth, excitement and fearlessness to the group. We’re looking forward to seeing him grow within this environment.”
The majority of the squad remains unchanged from the June international window, where Singapore defeated Mongolia 4-0 before narrowly losing 2-1 to China PR.
However, experienced defender Safuwan Baharudin is unavailable after remaining with Malaysian Super League side Selangor FC for pre-season preparations, as clubs are not obliged to release players during the tournament window, which falls outside FIFA’s official international calendar.
Lee stressed that developing a consistent team identity remains the priority.
“We’ve spoken a lot about remaining calm and consistent, especially when things become uncomfortable.”
“This camp is unique because we get to spend much more time together. It allows us to deepen our understanding of how we want to play and continue building our identity before the tournament.”
Singapore’s 24-Man Squad
Goalkeepers
- Izwan Mahbud (Young Lions)
- Rudy Khairullah (Geylang International)
- Syazwan Buhari (BG Tampines Rovers)
Defenders
- Amirul Adli (Negeri Sembilan FC)
- Hariss Harun (Lion City Sailors)
- Irfan Fandi (Port FC, Thailand)
- Irfan Najeeb (BG Tampines Rovers)
- Luth Harith (Young Lions)
- Nur Adam Abdullah (Lion City Sailors)
- Raoul Suhaimi (BG Tampines Rovers)
- Ryhan Stewart (Kanchanaburi Power)
- Lionel Tan (Lion City Sailors)
Midfielders
- Farhan Zulkifli (Hougang United)
- Glenn Kweh (BG Tampines Rovers)
- Hami Syahin (Lion City Sailors)
- Jacob Mahler (BG Tampines Rovers)
- Joel Chew (BG Tampines Rovers)
- Kyoga Nakamura (Lion City Sailors)
- Nathan Mao (Young Lions)
- Saifullah Akbar (Hougang United)
- Shah Shahiran (BG Tampines Rovers)
- Song Uiyoung (Lion City Sailors)
Forwards
- Ilhan Fandi (Buriram United)
- Shawal Anuar (Lion City Sailors)
With an established core, emerging young talents and a challenging overseas camp, Singapore are aiming to arrive at the ASEAN Championship in peak condition. The Japan tour will provide Gavin Lee with a valuable opportunity to refine tactical cohesion before the Lions begin their quest to challenge Southeast Asia’s elite in Group A.
Credit Photo : FAS
