“We are confident in the squad selected for the AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers. This team, a mix of top talent from both the Philippines and abroad, is ready to compete. We believe they have what it takes to perform at the highest level and advance to the Asian Cup, building on their impressive run in the ASEAN semis.” – PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez
The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) has announced the official 24-man roster for the Philippine Men’s National Team U23 squad, which will compete in the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, starting next week. The team, coached by newly appointed head coach Michael Martinez Alvarez, aims to secure a spot in the finals held in Saudi Arabia in January 2026.
The PMNT U23 squad is in Group K and will face three opponents at Pamir Stadium. The team’s schedule, in Manila time, is as follows:
- September 3, 9 PM: vs. Syria
- September 7, 12 MN: vs. Tajikistan
- September 9, 9 PM: vs. Nepal
Leading the team is Martinez Alvarez, a Spanish football coach with a background in player development. Martinez Alvarez holds a UEFA Pro License, the highest coaching qualification recognized in Europe. He was brought in as Technical Director for Pangasinan Football Association but was gracious to offer his services to PMNT U23 for the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers.
Prior to his appointment with the PMNT U23 squad, Martinez Alvarez served as a national team selector for the Chinese Football Association, where he focused on identifying and nurturing young talent. He also worked for Spanish pro clubs SD Eibar, Athletic Bilbao, and Real Sociedad. His experience includes working with youth teams and implementing long-term development strategies.
The coaching staff also includes UAAP champion coach Popoy Clarino of the University of the Philippines, goalkeeping coach Joan Drets Leida, and technical analyst Sergi Mulet Suarez. PFF Director of Football Vince Santos will serve as the team manager, assisted by Patrick Valenzuela.
The final roster for the qualifiers is as follows:
GOALKEEPERS:
- Nicholas Guimaraes (Juntendo University, Japan)
- Jose Alfonso Gonzalez (NCRFA, UP)
- Cesar Iñigo Castro III (NCRFA, La Salle)
FIELD PLAYERS:
- Isaiah Fariq Alakiu (Brighton & Hove Albion U18, England)
- Karl Absalon (SELMARFA, FEU)
- Kamil Jaser Amirul (CVRFA, Dynamic Herb Cebu FC)
- Otu Abang Banatao (Old Dominion University, USA)
- Ramil Bation III (ZANDIFA, UP)
- Jian Vinz Caraig (FAR, UP)
- Dov Anthony Misael Cariño (NCRFA, Ateneo)
- Uriel Dalapo (SOCSARGEN RFA, La Salle)
- Gabriel Guimaraes (Ichikawa SC, Japan)
- Noah River Leddel (Dynamic Herb Cebu FC)
- John Albert Luis Lucero (Kanchanaburi Power FC, Thailand)
- Selwyn Nickos Mamon (Iloilo-Guimaras RFA, FEU)
- Javier Alessandro Mariona (AV Alta FC, USA)
- Alex James Monis (New England Revolution II, USA)
- Gavin Muens (Kaya FC – Iloilo)
- Antoine Ortega (Omonoia Aradippou, Cyprus)
- Jared Alexander Peña (NCRFA, Western Reserve Academy)
- Sandro Miguel Reyes (FC Gütersloh, Germany)
- Jaime Rosquillo (Iloilo-Guimaras RFA, Dynamic Herb Cebu FC)
- Santiago Rublico (AD Alcorcón, Spain)
- Zachary Taningco (NCRFA, Manila Digger)
