Singapore defeat Guam to qualify for World Cup qualifiers Round 2

Singapore earned a 2-1 win in the first-leg of the World Cup qualifiers.

Singapore advanced to the next stage after defeating Guam 1-0 in the second leg of their FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 1 tie on Monday.

The result secured Singapore a 3-1 win on aggregate and takes them into Group C of Round 2 with Korea Republic, China PR and Thailand for company.

Guam, chasing a deficit, put Singapore under early pressure with the action thick and fast at the GFA field with the home side the first to threaten in the third minute through a Jason Cunliffe free-kick.

Singapore almost found a way through just before the 10th-minute mark when Song Ui-young  broke free at the top of the box but his foray into the area was cut short by a battling Travis Nicklaw.

Song was in the thick of the action once again when he delivered a perfect ball off a free-kick to a lurking Ilhan Fandi, whose tame effort was easily collected by Guam custodian Dallas Jaye.

Guam, desperate to find their way back into the tie, came close moments later when Nicklaw launched a long ball to the advancing Eddie Na, whose charge into the box was foiled by the Singaporean defence.

Singapore’s constant attacks almost bore fruit when Song did well to beat his marker on the left flank but his cross into the box was wasted by Ilhan, who angled his header high.

Bent on defending their first leg advantage, Singapore started the second half aggressively with Zulqarnaen Suzliman sending a delightful ball for an unmarked Song, who flashed his effort over the bar.

Song threatened again moments later when he found space on the turn at the top of the area before sending his curling effort agonisingly wide by mere inches.

Singapore’s efforts were finally rewarded in the 81st minute when Nur Muhammad Shah sent a through ball to Mohamed Iqbal, who supplied the cross for Shawal Anuar to score from close range.