On the Giving Singapore platform, the FAS aims to raise 500,000 Singapore dollars (SGD), equivalent to over 10 billion VND. These funds will support preparation, development, and pathway building for all national teams, from youth to senior men's, maintaining standards behind the national colors.

Forward Ikhsan Fandi poses with Singaporean fans after the 1-0 victory against Bangladesh at Kallang Stadium, Singapore, during an Asian Cup 2027 qualifier on 31/3. *Photo: FAS*

Singapore recently concluded the third qualifying round with a 1-0 win over Bangladesh, securing top spot in their group and qualifying for the Asian Cup. This marks the first time the national team has qualified through the qualifiers, rather than receiving a special slot or participating as a host nation, as they did in 1984. The FAS views this achievement as a major milestone, reflecting an accumulation of expertise, discipline, and belief.

After more than one day, 53 individuals have supported the FAS, contributing a total of 24,708 SGD (over 500 million VND).

A FAS representative stated that fundraising is just one of many avenues for fans to support Singaporean football. According to the organization, the amount of money is less important than the community's collective effort in building sustainable football. A FAS spokesperson said, "This moment is an opportunity for fans to stand with the national team, not just for the Asian Cup but for the long-term future".

The fundraising campaign follows a financial boost for Singaporean football from the corporate sector. Forrest Li, Chairman of the FAS and leader of Sea Limited, pledged a total of 50 million SGD (over 1,000 billion VND) towards the development of the nation's football. Of this, 10 million SGD was transferred at the beginning of 2026, with the remainder allocated to programs for enhancing team performance, developing young players, and improving infrastructure.

Forrest Li (Ly Tieu Dong), a 49-year-old billionaire, owns companies such as Shopee, Garena, and Monee. He believes this could be the largest corporate sponsorship in Singaporean football history. Despite this, he continues to call for broader community involvement, emphasizing that football cannot achieve sustainable development without a community foundation.

Singapore's return to the Asian Cup after more than four decades also adds to Southeast Asia's representation in the continental tournament. The region now has four teams that have qualified: Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore, marking the highest number since 2007, when four nations participated as hosts.

Vietnam impressed by winning all six of their qualifying matches, while Thailand secured their spot with a 2-1 victory over Turkmenistan in their final match. Indonesia advanced from the second qualifying round, and Singapore created a surprise by topping Group C.

The Asian Cup 2027 will take place in Arab Saudi from 7/1 to 5/2/2027, with 24 participating teams. Teams will be divided into six groups; the top two from each group and the four best third-placed teams will advance to the knockout stage.

Hoang An (via Mothership)