The Philippine Under-23 Men’s National Football Team (PMNFT U23) has been training hard in its return to the Asian Games for the first time since 1974, when the country last featured in the quadrennial sports meet’s seventh edition held in Tehran, Iran.
Given the historic prestige of the Asiad and the strength of the opponents, PMNFT U23 has called up 29 players in the national team pool as they have been preparing and training at the Adidas Football Park in Pasay City and the Rizal Memorial Stadium (RMS) in Manila.
As part of its preparation, on September 6 PMNFT U23 had a friendly match against Philippines Football League (PFL) side Stallion Laguna, a professional club bannered by last season’s Golden Boot runner-up Finn McDaniel, which the U23 squad won, 2-0. Forwards Janjan Jalique and Aidan Astilla-Boronda scored the winning goals for the national squad.
National team forward Andres Aldeguer (leftmost) scores on a header against Stallion Laguna.
Another PFL friendly is scheduled on September 9 at the RMS, this time against UMak Aguilas.
PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez emphasized that the Federation’s preparations for the campaign have been thorough.
We do not go into a competition just to participate. Siyempre, we try our best to have the best result possible. And we prepare.
To beef up PMNFT U23’s readiness, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) has moved the Season 89 men’s football tournament opening to October to ensure the availability of UAAP players and coaches for the Asiad.
Among the UAAP players in the national pool are the University of the Philippines’ (UP) Fonsi Gonzalez, Joshua Meriño, and Jian Caraig; Ateneo’s Dov Cariño and Mateo Lacson; and La Salle’s Iñigo Castro and Joaquin Collo. Meanwhile, UP head coach Popoy Clarino sits as lead assistant coach for the national team.
“PFF thanks UAAP for aligning its schedule in support of the Philippine under-23 Men’s National Football Team to the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, allowing top collegiate players to participate. We thank UAAP President Mark Molina, Executive Director Rebo Saguisag and UAAP Board of Trustees, Football Commissioner Rely San Agustin, and Season 89 host Far Eastern University for their continuous support,” Gutierrez said.
Challenge ahead
PMNFT U23 head coach Garrath McPherson welcomed the group draw, saying it strikes a balance between familiarity and fresh challenges for his players.
“After such a long absence from the competition we are grateful to be in such a prestigious tournament and we are ready to showcase our quality in any of the groups,” McPherson said.
“The draw has given us a mix of familiar and unfamiliar opposition which I am pleased with. We have shown the level we can play in the last two matches against Vietnam, so we have a good understanding of each other. The other two opponents, Uzbekistan and Kuwait, provide an opportunity to experience new challenges. This experience will help our players grow.”
McPherson added that since the draw was confirmed, his technical staff have been working on specific preparations for each of their opponents ahead of the tournament.
“Behind the scenes, the technical staff have spent considerable time analysing and familiarising ourselves with each opponent. As we get closer to the tournament, our focus is now on making sure that preparation translates onto the pitch and that we are ready for the challenges each opponent will present,” he said.
He also outlined what he expects from his players in the final buildup to the tournament.
“Their focus should be on doing everything possible in their club environments to put themselves in the best physical and mental condition to represent the country,” McPherson said.
Challenging group
The men’s football tournament at the Asian Games features Under-23 teams, with each squad allowed to field three players above the age limit.
The Philippines has been drawn in Group C alongside reigning bronze medalist Uzbekistan, one-time quarterfinalist Kuwait, and familiar foe Vietnam.
This marks the first time PMNFT will face Uzbekistan and Kuwait in head-to-head history, while Vietnam will be a well-known opponent, having competitively battled the Philippines in the semifinals of both the U23 ASEAN Championship – Mandiri Cup and the Southeast Asian Games last year.
Heading into the Asiad, the U23 core has delivered a string of historic milestones over the past 12 months, headlined by a first-ever semifinal appearance in the U23 ASEAN Championship – Mandiri Cup in August 2025; a first-ever winning record in the U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers in September 2025; and a first-ever semifinal stint in the Southeast Asian Games in December 2025.
PMNFT U23 will open its campaign against Uzbekistan on September 15 (2:30 PM), before facing Vietnam on September 18 (2:30 PM) and Kuwait on September 22 (1 PM). All matches will be played at the CS Asset Minato Soccer Stadium in Nagoya, Japan, with the specified kickoff times in Philippine Standard Time.
