The Philippine Men’s National Football Team concluded its campaign in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification – AFC second round tournament with a 2-0 defeat to Indonesia on Tuesday at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta.
Thom Haye’s right-footed strike and Rizky Ridho’s header in the 32nd and 56th minutes, respectively, condemned the players, formerly known as the Azkals, to their fifth defeat in the competition.
This is the Philippines’ worst showing in World Cup qualification since 2011. Back then, amid the height of the Azkals’ popularity, the country drew and won against Sri Lanka in the first round, only to suffer back-to-back defeats to Kuwait in the second round.
In the immediate future, the Philippines will look to finally become the king of Southeast Asian football by winning the 2024 ASEAN Championship by the end of this year. All matches beforehand will be used to build and prepare a team capable of going all the way.
“I think we can build on this team. There are about 5-6 players in the pipeline,” said coach Tom Saintfiet. “We’re going to use the games in September, October, and November to play friendlies to prepare, but I think the frame of the team is created.”
“I see a strong frame. I see a lot of young players who are eager to play with the right spirit,” he added.
All is not lost for the Philippines after finishing last in Group F, as they will compete in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualification – third round competition in March 2026. There will be six groups in this phase, and the group winners will advance to the tournament proper.
On the other hand, Indonesia joined Group F winner Iraq in booking a ticket to the next World Cup qualification phase and the AFC Asian Cup, while Vietnam was also relegated to the final qualifying round of the continental tournament.
Indonesia XI: Ari (GK), Idzes, Ridho, Hubner, Ferdinan, Verdonk, Mangkualam ©, Struick, Oratmangoen, Haye, Tjoe-A-On.
Philippines XI: Mendoza (GK), Woods, Ingreso, Demuynck, Baldisimo, Reichelt, Monis, Ugelvik, Nyholm, Bailey, Rublico.
