Lions to Face 5-Time World Champions Brazil and World Cup Surprise Package Paraguay at National Stadium This November

SINGAPORE, 3 SEPTEMBER 2026 — Local football fans, mark your calendars. The Kallang Roar is set to reach deafening decibels this November as five-time FIFA World Cup champions Brazil, Asian giants Japan, and South American dark horses Paraguay head to our shores for the blockbuster Mizuho Blue Challenge – The Kallang Football Series Singapore.

Taking place across three match days from 13 to 17 November 2026 during the official FIFA international window, the four-nation international showcase will see the Singapore Men’s National Team test their mettle against world-class opposition at the National Stadium.

For the Lions, who created history by qualifying on merit for the AFC Asian Cup 2027, this tournament serves as the ultimate litmus test and preparation stage against the very best in world football.

Photo: SportPlus.sg / Aldrich Goh

The Dream Doubleheader: Lions vs Brazil, Japan vs Brazil Rematch

The tournament kicks off on Friday, 13 November, with Singapore hosting World Cup giant-killers Paraguay (ranked 34th), fresh off their stunning Round of 32 upset over Germany at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The excitement ratchets up on Saturday, 14 November, when World No. 5 Brazil lock horns with Hajime Moriyasu’s high-flying Samurai Blue (ranked 17th) in an electric rematch of their recent FIFA World Cup 2026 clash.

The grand finale on Tuesday, 17 November, features a dream doubleheader at the National Stadium. The Lions will share the pitch with the Seleção—managed by legendary tactician Carlo Ancelotti—before Japan clash with Paraguay to wrap up five days of elite football action.

Best of all for local supporters? Fans will be able to catch both blockbuster games on 17 November on a single match ticket.

Photo: SportPlus.sg / Hana Basir

Gavin Lee: "Every Game Is About Preparing for the Asian Cup"

For Singapore head coach Gavin Lee, tests don't come much bigger—or more valuable—than facing South American heavyweights on home soil.

"We’re excited for any opportunity to play against strong opposition. These kinds of matches are invaluable to us because they test us and show us where we are and, more importantly, where we still need to improve," said Lee. "We’ve made good progress, but there’s still a lot of work ahead of us, and every game we play now is about helping us prepare for the Asian Cup."

For Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti, the Kallang series marks a crucial phase in building his squad's tactical identity:

"The friendlies in Singapore represent another important step in building the Brazilian National Team for the coming years. Facing Japan and Singapore will allow us to observe the team’s behaviour in different contexts, which is essential at this early stage of the cycle," said Ancelotti.

Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu also expressed his excitement to reconnect with the Lion City’s passionate fanbase:

"I saw many people across Asia, including in Singapore, support the Japan national team during the World Cup. We are truly grateful for the opportunity to compete in a tournament in a country where football is so deeply loved and embraced."

Photo: Getty Images

Commemorating 60 Years of Singapore-Japan Ties

Supported by Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. as title sponsor, the showcase forms part of the Singapore-Japan 60th Anniversary (SJ60) celebrations, marking six decades of strong diplomatic and cultural ties between both nations.

Organised jointly by The Kallang Group and Dentsu Sports International (DSI), the tournament is the first proprietary sports property developed by The Kallang Group as it continues its evolution into a creator of premier sports and entertainment experiences.

Daryl Yeo, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Experience Officer of The Kallang Group, noted:

"This inaugural tournament reflects our commitment to bringing premier sporting action to Singapore and creating more opportunities for fans and communities to come together. We look forward to welcoming supporters to The Kallang to experience football at its very best."

Ticket Details & How to Book

To ensure Singapore fans pack the stands and rally behind the Lions, opening match tickets have been made accessible:

• Singapore vs Paraguay (13 Nov): Tickets start from just $28.

• Doubleheader (17 Nov - Singapore vs Brazil & Japan vs Paraguay): 1 Ticket grants access to both matches.

• General Ticket Sales Open: Friday, 4 September 2026, from 12:00 PM (SGT) via [The Kallang Official Website].

• Priority Access: Official Partner Shopee is offering exclusive early ticket access for ShopeeVIP users.

Tournament Fixtures at a Glance

• Venue: National Stadium at The Kallang, Singapore

• Dates: 13 – 17 November 2026

• Participating Teams: Singapore, Brazil, Japan, Paraguay