Head coach Gavin Lee has named his Singapore Lions June 2026 squad for the upcoming June FIFA International Window, with the Lions set to host Mongolia and China PR at Jalan Besar Stadium. The 28-man selection includes a pair of notable recalls that reflect the strong form shown across the Singapore Premier League season.
Singapore Lions June 2026 Squad Announced
Lee’s selections were made public ahead of two landmark home matches: Singapore take on Mongolia on Sunday, 31 May 2026, followed by a clash against China PR on Friday, 5 June 2026. Both matches kick off at 7.30pm at Jalan Besar Stadium, giving Lions fans back-to-back opportunities to pack the stands and cheer their national side.
The 28-man roster rewards those who have delivered consistently at club level, with SPL performers given their opportunity to stake claims for regular international involvement. Lee has maintained the core group that has driven the Lions’ recent progress while making targeted changes to freshen up the squad.
Notable Recalls: Zulqarnaen and Saifullah Return
Two names stand out among the returnees. Zulqarnaen Suzliman earns his first Lions call-up since March 2024, rewarded for a hugely impressive loan spell with Albirex Niigata (S) that saw him deliver some of the most consistent performances in the SPL second half of the season. The winger’s pace and directness had been a talking point all campaign, and Lee has moved quickly to reintegrate him into the international fold.
Equally noteworthy is the return of Saifullah Akbar, the Hougang United midfielder who has been absent from the national team for four years. Saifullah’s composed performances in the heart of Hougang’s engine room throughout the 2025-26 SPL season have been impossible to ignore, and his inclusion signals that Lee is not afraid to look beyond the usual suspects when form demands it.
Both recalls speak to what is most exciting about this current Lions era: the depth of talent emerging from the SPL and the willingness of the coaching staff to reward domestic performance with international recognition.
The Opponents: Mongolia and China PR
Mongolia represent a solid first test — a disciplined, organised side that will not simply roll over for anyone on home soil. While they are ranked below Singapore, international football rarely respects paper hierarchies, and the Lions will need to be sharp from the first whistle.
The match against China PR on 5 June is the higher-profile fixture. China PR are a significantly stronger side with established professional players and a well-funded football infrastructure. Performing creditably against them — or better — would be a genuine statement of intent for Gavin Lee’s side heading into a critical cycle. Both games are free of competitive consequence but loaded with developmental value.
Eyes on Asian Cup 2027 and Beyond
These fixtures come against the backdrop of Singapore’s qualification for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027. In Group D, the Lions face Australia, Iraq, and Tajikistan — a challenging draw that includes two 2026 FIFA World Cup-bound nations.
Lee’s task is clear: to build a squad capable of competing on that stage. Each friendly is a data point, an opportunity to test combinations and identify who can handle the step up to top-level Asian football. The June window is as much about preparation and scouting as it is about results.
For more on the Lions’ programme and Singapore’s football journey, read our coverage of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 group draw and the SPL 2025-26 season review. And follow all the latest action in the LBRD Sports section.
