The Philippines launched their World Cup 2027 qualifying journey by overwhelming Guam with a performance built on sheer control of the boards. Every player contributed to a rebounding avalanche that proved too much for the hosts in Yigo Village.

Guam, making their debut in the qualifiers, found themselves outmatched inside as the visitors set the tone early and never let up. The Philippines’ work on the glass quickly became the story of the night, tilting every possession and momentum shift in their favor.

Philippines rewrite rebounding history

By the final buzzer, the Filipinos had stacked up 61 rebounds, smashing the Asian Qualifiers benchmark of 59 previously shared by Iran and Lebanon. Twenty of those came on the offensive end, giving the visitors wave after wave of second-chance opportunities.

The effort rewrote the standard for control in the region, with the Philippines asserting dominance that Guam struggled to counter.

Balanced effort sparks strong opening statement

All 12 members of the Philippine lineup secured at least one board, underscoring the team-wide commitment to physicality. Quentin Millora-Brown and June Mar Fajardo set the pace with 10 rebounds each, anchoring a frontcourt that dictated tempo from start to finish.

It was the kind of opening performance the Philippines needed as they navigate the long road toward the 2027 global showpiece.