After the Filipinas shocked the world with milestone after milestone in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, their male counterparts in the Azkals will now have their chance to do the same thing starting in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The Philippine men’s national football team will enter the second round against Iraq, Vietnam, and the winner between the first round matchup against Indonesia and Brunei.
Team Pilipinas will start the journey in Group F against a familiar foe in Vietnam in November. The Azkals last played the Golden Star Warriors in a 1-0 loss during a friendly.
The game against world number 70 Iraq will take place four months later on March 26, 2024.
They will face either Indonesia or Brunei in June next year. The Azkals lost to Indonesia, 2-1, earlier this year in the group stage of the 2022 AFF Championship. They have a better fortune against Brunei in the same competition with a 5-1 victory last December.
Eight direct spots to the FIFA World Cup will be available for AFC squads. The Azkals will need to finish within the top two of their group in the second round to advance to the next round.
The Azkals are
extra-inspired to enter this tournament after the success of the Filipinas. Now, it’s their turn to conquer the biggest stage.