BAKU – The Philippine Under-15 Men’s National Football Team (PMNFT U15) concluded its maiden FIFA World Cup & Festival at a respectable 110th place out of 189 countries in the world’s biggest football tournament in terms of participation here.
This came after a dramatic final match between the Philippines and Andorra, with the European side winning, 2-1 off a late goal.
It was an exchange of goals in the opening two minutes, with Andorra’s Max Rossell scoring an Olimpico from the left corner kick 23 seconds in, but Filipino winger Sylar Alcantara respondent a minute later with a long shot from midfield to tie the game.
PMNFT U15 had the more dangerous chances on goal but Andorran goalkeeper Joan Caballol was a tough nut to crack between the sticks.
In the 17th minute, Adrien Peña had a clear shot from the top of the box while Dan Becera was in front to head the rebound but both on-target shots were saved by Caballol.
Another dangerous sequence for the Philippines was built in the 31st minute, but Caballol kept the game tied with a double save of Alcantara’s outside shot and Zhian Enario’s left footed strike in front of goal.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 37th minute, with Andorran defender Jordi Puig shooting from the far right.
Still, PMNFT U15 gathered four wins in ten games: 1-0 versus Belize, 8-1 versus Curaçao, 2-0 versus Macau; and 5-2 versus Aruba.
The team had narrow losses to African powerhouse Morocco (0-2), Liberia (0-1), Zimbabwe (2-3), and Andorra (1-2).
PMNFT U15 scored a total of 19 goals–nearly two goals a game–and conceded 20.
The Quezon City-born and Barcelona-based Alcantara was the top goal scorer for the Philippines with four, while Cavite’s Becera, Los Angeles’ Quito Pascual, and Iloilo’s Nathan Caligdong scoring three apiece.
Negros Occidental’s John Carlo Rendon had two goals while defenders Jonas Oliverio (Negros Occidental), Micah Alva (Philadelphia, USA), and Matthew Zamora (Muntinlupa) had a goal each. An own goal was also part of the Philippines’ tally.
The 2026 FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival was an initiative of FIFA to bring together all member associations in a singular tournament to promote youth and grassroots football, using an 8v8 format with two 20-minute halves. 189 countries heeded the call, with Spain and Czechia vying for the championship match tonight at 10 PM.
