The Philippine men's national football team suffered a stinging 5-0 defeat against Iraq in the the joint FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers on Tuesday, March 26.
The Philippine men's national football team continue to slide in Group F after absorbing a 5-0 defeat to Iraq in the joint FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila on Tuesday, March 26.
After a solid showing in Basra, the Philippines simply could not stop Iraq as three first half goals all but sealed 39th-ranked nation's victory in front of 10,014 spectators.
The Iraqis started the game on the perfect note after grabbing an early penalty in the 14th minute, which was converted by Aymen Hussein.
Iraq then continued to put the pressure against the Philippines, as midfielder Amir Fouad grabbed the team's second goal in the 30th minute.
Just six minutes later, Iraq scored its third goal after Hussein’s clean finish over Neil Etheridge.
It was only in the 41st minute when the Philippines managed to have a shot on target, but defender Santiago Rublico's attempt was saved by keeper Jalal Hassan.
In the second half, it was still all Iraq as they continued to dominate the possession time, which bared fruit for the team once more in the 62nd minute after Zidane Iqbal's clean finish to make it 4-0.
To make matters worse, Iraq struck once more after a free header by defender Zaid Hantoosh in the 77th minute.
With the loss, the Philippines remained stuck at the bottom of Group F without a win and just a point in the bag.
Iraq, meanwhile, remain undefeated with 12 points in four matches, securing their place in the World Cup qualifying third round and the Asian Cup.