The Philippine men’s national football team will maximize the June FIFA international window with a Tri-Nations Friendly tournament at the historic Rizal Memorial Stadium, as the Philippine Football Federation (PFF), with the support of GoTyme Bank continues preparations for the 2026 ASEAN Championship — the Hyundai Cup — scheduled in July and August.
The Tri-Nations Friendlies will feature the Philippines, Myanmar, and Guam in a compact but highly competitive series designed to sharpen the Young Azkals ahead of a crucial regional campaign. All matches will kick off at 7:30 PM at Rizal Memorial Stadium (RMS).
The schedule is as follows:
- June 3 — Philippines vs Guam
- June 6 — Myanmar vs Guam
- June 9 — Philippines vs Myanmar
PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez emphasized the importance of fully utilizing the FIFA window as the national team builds toward the Hyundai Cup.
“The June FIFA window is extremely important for us because every international match now is part of our long-term preparation for the Hyundai Cup and the continued growth of this new generation of Philippine footballers,” said Gutierrez.
“These Tri-Nations Friendlies will allow the coaching staff to strengthen chemistry, test tactical adjustments, and continue developing the identity that this young Philippine team has started to build on the regional stage.”
The Philippines, currently ranked 135th in the world, enters the tournament carrying strong momentum following a breakthrough run in the 2024 ASEAN Championship. The Filipinos reached the semifinals and secured a historic 2-1 victory over reigning champion Thailand — their first semifinal win in tournament history and their first victory over one of Southeast Asia’s traditional football powers since 1972.
The national team narrowly missed qualification to the AFC Asian Cup by just a goal despite finishing the 2025-26 qualifiers undefeated — another historic milestone for Philippine football. Bannered by emerging stars such as Bjorn Kristensen, Sandro Reyes, and the Tabinas brothers, the squad continues to evolve into a younger, faster, and more dynamic side in the post-Younghusband era.
Myanmar, ranked 158th in the world, remains one of Southeast Asia’s most unpredictable opponents despite not reaching the ASEAN semifinals since 2016. The Burmese side proved their resilience after holding the Philippines to a 1-1 draw during the 2024 ASEAN Championship at Rizal Memorial Stadium.
The June 9 meeting between the Philippines and Myanmar also serves as an early preview of their Hyundai Cup clash, with both teams drawn in the same group and set to meet again on July 28 at Rizal Memorial Stadium to open their regional championship campaigns.
Meanwhile, Guam, ranked 201st globally, brings a determined and hardworking squad that consistently challenges stronger opposition. While the Pacific island side has limited international success, Guam pushed Singapore to a competitive 1-2 result three years ago during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and continues to develop steadily.
The Philippines previously faced Guam during the 2023 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, where the Filipinos emerged victorious over two legs, 7-1 on aggregate.
