The Singapore Men’s National Team return to Jalan Besar Stadium this Sunday (31 May) when they host Mongolia in the first of two June international friendlies, with kick-off scheduled for 7.30pm. Fresh off an unbeaten AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 qualifying campaign, the Lions are continuing preparations for the ASEAN Championship Hyundai Cup 2026 later this year. Following the Mongolia encounter, Singapore will also host China PR on 5 June.

While the fixture offers Head Coach Gavin Lee another opportunity to assess his squad, it also presents a different kind of challenge. Mongolia arrive in Singapore under new Head Coach Marco Ragini and are playing their first international match in almost two years. For Lee, the lack of information available on the visitors has shifted the focus firmly inward.

“Mongolia is a difficult team to prepare for because there isn’t much information for us to work with,” said Lee.”We like to do our homework, but this time we decided to focus more on ourselves. We weren’t pleased with our performance against Bangladesh, so this window has been a good opportunity to work on areas we felt could have been better. That has really been our focus.”

The Singapore coach believes adaptability will be crucial against an opponent still finding its feet under a new regime. “Because there is a lot of uncertainty, we need to be ready to be flexible and adapt to whatever we face tomorrow evening.”

Despite the unknowns, Lee is clear about what he wants from his side. “Calmness and consistency are the two things we are asking from ourselves tomorrow night,” he said. “We’ve shown in India and Hong Kong that when we don’t allow external noise and pressure to own us, we are close to our best. That’s when we get results and our identity becomes clearer. Tomorrow is about whether we can be calm and consistent enough to go out there, perform and show an identity that people can resonate with.”

Midfielder Kyoga Nakamura echoed his coach’s sentiments, stressing that the Lions’ focus remains on themselves rather than their opponents. “It’s difficult to predict Mongolia because we don’t have much information, but as players we don’t really care who the opponent is,” said Nakamura. “We focus on ourselves, how we play and how we get results.”

The 29-year-old admitted Singapore were disappointed by aspects of their previous outing against Bangladesh and have used the current training camp to raise standards. “We weren’t satisfied with our performance against Bangladesh, so this week we put maximum effort into training. We’ve prepared well and hopefully we can deliver a good performance.”

Competition for places has also intensified as Singapore begin looking ahead to the Asian Cup and next year’s regional championship. “The Asian Cup itself is a huge carrot in front of all the players,” Lee said. “Everyone wants a ticket with their name on it.”

Nakamura has welcomed the increased competition within the squad. “Both at club level and in the national team, it’s a very competitive situation,” he explained. “It’s good for the players because everyone wants to be in the starting eleven. This week everyone has put in more than 100 per cent effort. We compete with each other and try to become the best versions of ourselves. For me, it’s a really good environment.”

The friendly also gives Lee an opportunity to evaluate a wider pool of players. With FIFA now allowing up to 11 substitutions in friendly internationals while retaining official A-match status, squad rotation remains a possibility. “It is one consideration that we are exploring,” Lee revealed. “This window also gives us a chance to see different players under pressure and in a game environment. It will help us gain a better understanding of the ingredients we have.”

For Mongolia, however, the occasion marks the beginning of a new era. Italian coach Ragini has been tasked not only with leading the national team but also helping reshape football development structures across the country. Having inherited a side that has not played international football for almost two years, he described Sunday’s match as an important benchmark. “The match against Singapore is the perfect test for us,” said Ragini. “I know the quality of the Singapore national team. I know they have a good coach and a very good squad. This test is fundamental for our future because it will help us understand whether we really have the potential to change something in Mongolian football.”

Ragini was also candid about the scale of the challenge facing his team. “At this moment, the level of the two teams is different,” he admitted. “Mongolia is rebuilding and trying to create a new identity, while Singapore has continued to work and develop under the same coach.”

The former Tajikistan coach said his immediate objective extends beyond results. “My primary job is to transform a group into a team,” he added. “A group is one thing, a team is another. If the players understand that transformation is important, then we are already halfway there.”

Having only a few days to work with his squad before travelling to Singapore has added to the challenge. “I have only had three days to work with these players, and they did not all arrive at the same time, so it has been difficult,” he said. “But I trust in one thing: motivation. If the players share my passion and motivation, then in a short time we can achieve something.”

Mongolia captain Tsend-Ayuush Khürelbaatar believes the trip will provide valuable experience for a youthful squad. “Around 80 per cent of the squad is under 22 years old,” he said. “The senior players, together with the coaching staff, are trying to share our experience and give advice to the younger players both on and off the pitch. These young players will carry the national team and the national flag over the next few years.”

With Singapore seeking to maintain momentum after securing Asian Cup qualification and Mongolia beginning a long-term rebuilding project, Sunday’s fixture promises to provide an intriguing test for both sides as they continue their respective journeys.

Singapore plays Mongolia on 31st May 2026 at Jalan Besar Stadium. Tickets available from Ticketek