Singapore Return To AFC Asian Cup After 43 Years
Singapore will compete in the AFC Asian Cup for the first time since 1984 after being drawn into Group D alongside Australia, Iraq and Tajikistan for the 2027 tournament.
The official draw ceremony was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on 9 May, confirming the Lions’ opponents for Asia’s biggest international football competition.
This also marks Singapore’s first-ever qualification to the tournament on merit after the national team secured their place through the qualifiers in 2025.
Lions To Face Former Asian Champions
Singapore will begin their campaign against Australia on 9 January at the Aramco Stadium in Khobar before taking on Tajikistan on 14 January in Riyadh.
The Lions will then conclude their group-stage fixtures against Iraq on 19 January back in Khobar.
Australia and Iraq are both former AFC Asian Cup champions, having won the tournament in 2015 and 2007 respectively. Australia have also qualified for six consecutive FIFA World Cups since 2006, while Iraq recently secured their return to the global tournament after a 40-year absence.
Meanwhile, Tajikistan impressed during their AFC Asian Cup debut in 2024 after reaching the quarter-finals.
Lions Preparing For Saudi Arabia Tournament
Singapore head coach Gavin Lee said the team are focused on preparing well ahead of the tournament and using the draw as a clearer direction for their planning.
The Lions are scheduled to play two international friendlies during the June FIFA international window, beginning with Mongolia on 31 May before facing China PR on 5 June.
Singapore Qualified With Unbeaten Campaign
Singapore secured qualification for the AFC Asian Cup after completing an unbeaten qualifying campaign with four wins and two draws against Hong Kong, India and Bangladesh.
The decisive moment came in November 2025 when the Lions defeated Hong Kong 2-1 to confirm their place in the tournament. During Singapore’s previous appearance in 1984, the Republic hosted the competition but did not progress beyond the group stage.
The 24-team AFC Asian Cup 2027 will be held across Riyadh, Jeddah and Khobar in Saudi Arabia.
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Lions Set for Double Test Against Mongolia and China PR Ahead of Major Campaigns
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