The Filipinas and the Philippine Men’s Under-23 National Football Team are set for challenging campaigns at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya-Aichi, Japan, after learning their respective group-stage opponents during Thursday’s official draw.
The Filipinas, fresh off qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup — their second consecutive appearance on football’s biggest stage — and currently ranked No. 39 in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings, were drawn into Group G alongside world No. 16 China, No. 51 Uzbekistan, and No. 81 Hong Kong.
Meanwhile, the men’s under-23 team, ranked No. 135 and the lowest-ranked team in its group, landed in Group C, where it will face No. 50 Uzbekistan, No. 99 Vietnam, and No. 133 Kuwait. The squad returns to the Asian Games after securing a late berth in the tournament.
Matches for both national squads will take place from September 14 to October 3 in seven venues across the Chubu and Kansai regions.
On the other hand, the senior men’s national team will compete in two regional tournaments.
The team formerly known as the Azkals will look to finally win the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 in the next few weeks.
They will also participate in the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup, scheduled from September 21 to October 6.
The draw comes as both squads continue their preparations for the Asian Games.
The Filipinas aim to build on their recent rise on the international stage following another World Cup qualification, while the U23 men’s team looks to measure itself against some of Asia’s top opposition.
In the women’s tournament, hosts Japan headline Group A together with North Korea, India, and Singapore. Group C features Chinese Taipei, South Korea, Myanmar, and Bangladesh, while Group D is composed of Australia, Thailand, Chinese Taipei, and Nepal.
On the men’s side, hosts Japan lead Group A alongside North Korea, Palestine, and Yemen. Group B consists of South Korea, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Malaysia, while Group D features China, Iran, Indonesia, and Tajikistan.
