Few countries have a family that has accompanied the history of football for over half a century like Singapore with the Fandi family. From grandfather Ahmad Wartam, the legendary Fandi Ahmad, to the generation of Irfan, Ikhsan, Ilhan, and Iryan, the Fandi name has almost never been absent from the memorable milestones of "The Lions".

Southeast Asian football is about to enter a new chapter with the launch of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, a tournament organized by the World Football Federation (FIFA) in coordination with the ASEAN region.

On the morning of July 30, representatives from the leadership of Becamex Ho Chi Minh City Football Club visited Van Hanh Hospital to encourage striker Bui Vi Hao after his successful knee ligament surgery. Accompanying them were representatives from the club's fan association.

According to a Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Bangkok, former Thailand national team captain and midfielder Theerathon Bunmathon believes that the “War Elephants” possess enough quality to win this year’s ASEAN Cup, even after their opening victory over Laos was more challenging than many had anticipated.

After Neymar officially parted ways with the Brazilian national team, coach Carlo Ancelotti spoke out for the first time regarding his player's decision. The Italian tactician affirmed that he has no regrets about calling up the 34-year-old star for the 2026 World Cup, while also revealing plans to rejuvenate the Selecao.

The Vietnam national team will have an additional official tournament to compete for titles with the FIFA ASEAN Cup, but the quality of competition is the real issue. As the number of matches against regional opponents becomes increasingly dense, the challenge of breaking into Asia becomes more urgent.

Before the showdown with Timor Leste, Indonesian media has highlighted three crucial requirements that coach John Herdman and his squad must fulfill to inch closer to a semifinal spot in the 2026 ASEAN Cup.

Forward Nguyen Dinh Bac affirmed that the Vietnam national team has prepared thoroughly and aims to secure all three points against Singapore to gain a psychological advantage before their away match against Indonesia four days later, as part of the Asean Hyundai Cup 2026.

Despite being the away team at My Dinh Stadium, Singapore head coach Gavin Lee remains confident in setting the target of securing all three points against Coach Kim Sang Sik's squad.

Coach Kim Sang Sik admitted that the Vietnam team has a rest-day advantage over Singapore and stressed that the squad will fully focus on defeating this opponent before turning attention to the match against Indonesia.