As the Philippine Men’s National Football Team resumes its campaign to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday, there is an acceptance that the program is in its rebuilding phase after a disappointing few years.
New management has come in and it has brought in a new coach to handle the team. Lofty goals have been set and this new era starts on early Friday morning Manila time when the team formerly branded as the Azkals face Iraq at the Basra International Stadium.
Because of all the upheaval behind the scenes and on the pitch, this match against the Lions of Mesopotamia— ranked 59th in the world — could not have come at a worse time.
“We’re a team in construction and we’re playing against one of the best teams in Asia,” said Philippines captain Neil Etheridge.
“Obviously, from where I am, I was watching the Asian Cup and I think that Iraq is a very strong team and I feel that they are not in a building process,” he continued.
“They’re a very solid team. They have a bright future ahead of them. They’re looking forward to this qualification, that they can qualify for the World Cup.”
After two matches, the Philippines is in third place in Group F, only above bottom team Indonesia by goal difference.
Despite having thousands of fans in Rizal Memorial for the home games against Vietnam and Indonesia, the team failed to win any of them under Michael Weiss.
The pressure is on to try and set things right starting with Iraq on Friday.
However, Tom Saintfiet, the new man in charge of the national team, insisted that he is happy to deal with the cards he has been dealt with with one eye on things down the road.
“We have players who play in the Philippines. We have players who play from Southeast Asia: Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia,” said the Belgian coach.
“We have a few players playing in Europe like my captain and also from the United States. But it’s the first time the team is really together. Yesterday, Tuesday in Dubai, was the first time we had the whole team together,” he added.
“We have good players and more good players will come because we are talking to many dual-citizen players with double passports in Norway, Denmark, the United States and Belgium. But now we are still building a team.”
A win against Iraq, even if it may be farfetched as things stand, will really raise eyebrows.
The Iraqis top Group F and remain favorites against a Philippines squad that is getting used to new faces and another coach to work with.
It will be tough but any result will serve as a building block for the things to come.
At least that is what Saintfiet hopes to happen.
“I have a good team,” he said.
“I’m very happy with the development, but it will be very tough because we are building the team and we will face a giant in Asian football. But I’m confident about the future of Philippine football.”
