The Philippines is ending a long wait to return to the Asian Games in football. The Under-23 Men’s National Football Team will compete for the first time since 1974.

The country last featured in the Asiad in Tehran, Iran. This year’s stint in Nagoya, Japan, marks a historic 51-year gap.

Head coach Garrath McPherson has called up 29 players for the campaign. The pool has been training at Adidas Football Park in Pasay City and Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.

PMNFT U23 tuned up with a 2-0 friendly win over Stallion Laguna on September 6. Forwards Janjan Jalique and Aidan Astilla-Boronda scored the goals.

Another friendly against UMak Aguilas is set for September 9, also at Rizal Memorial Stadium. It marks the squad’s final tune-up before the tournament.

UAAP Shifts Schedule to Boost Asian Games Bid

PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez said the federation’s preparations have been thorough. He credited strong groundwork across the program for the squad’s readiness.

The UAAP, meanwhile, moved its Season 89 men’s football tournament to October. The shift frees up players and coaches for the Asiad campaign.

The national pool includes UP’s Fonsi Gonzalez, Joshua Meriño, and Jian Caraig, along with Ateneo’s Dov Cariño and Mateo Lacson. La Salle’s Iñigo Castro and Joaquin Collo round out the collegiate contingent.

UP head coach Popoy Clarino also serves as lead assistant coach for the national team. His dual role gives the squad added continuity between club and country.

Gutierrez thanked several UAAP officials for aligning the schedule, including President Mark Molina and Executive Director Rebo Saguisag. He also credited Football Commissioner Rely San Agustin, the UAAP Board of Trustees, and Season 89 host Far Eastern University.

Tough Group Draw Awaits PH U23 in Nagoya

The Philippines landed in Group C at the official draw. Reigning bronze medalist Uzbekistan, quarterfinalist Kuwait, and familiar foe Vietnam round out the group.

McPherson welcomed the matchup despite the difficult field, saying the draw offers a healthy mix of familiar and unfamiliar competition. “We are ready to showcase our quality in any of the groups,” he said.

He added that recent matches against Vietnam give his side a clear read on that rival, while Uzbekistan and Kuwait present fresh tests for his players to grow from. McPherson said his technical staff has been studying each opponent closely since the draw was finalized.

He noted that the group’s focus now shifts to translating that preparation onto the pitch. McPherson also outlined his expectations for the final buildup, saying every player must arrive in peak physical and mental condition to represent the country.

The Philippines enters the Asiad on the back of a historic 12-month run. The U23 core reached its first-ever ASEAN Championship semifinal in August 2025.

The squad also posted a first-ever winning record in the U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers that September. A first-ever SEA Games semifinal followed in December 2025.

PMNFT U23 opens its campaign against Uzbekistan on September 15 at 2:30 p.m. PST. The team then faces Vietnam on September 18 and Kuwait on September 22.

All three matches will be held at CS Asset Minato Soccer Stadium in Nagoya, marking the venue for the Philippines’ long-awaited Asiad return.