Asian Games: PH men’s U23 football ready for long-awaited return

MANILA, Philippines–After a 52-year absence, the Philippine under-23 men’s football team is ready to make the most of its return to the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

The national football team has called up a 29-player pool for the tournament and has been training at Adidas Football Park in Pasay City and Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.

READ: SCHEDULE: Philippines at Asian Games 2026 football

The Philippines last competed in the Asian Games in 1974, when the seventh edition was held in Tehran, Iran.

Men’s U23 coach Garrath McPherson welcomed the opportunity to compete in the prestigious regional competition, particularly after the team’s recent progress.

“After such a long absence from the competition, we are grateful to be in such a prestigious tournament and we are ready to showcase our quality in any of the groups,” McPherson said in a press release on the PFF website.

McPherson said his technical staff has been working on specific preparations for the tournament since the draw was confirmed.

READ: PH men’s football team qualifies for Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games

“Behind the scenes, the technical staff has spent considerable time analysing and familiarizing ourselves with each opponent,” he said. “As we get closer to the tournament, our focus is now on making sure that preparation translates onto the pitch and that we are ready for the challenges each opponent will present.”

The team includes UAAP players Fonsi Gonzalez, Joshua Meriño and Jian Caraig of the University of the Philippines; Ateneo’s Dov Cariño and Mateo Lacson; and La Salle’s Iñigo Castro and Joaquin Collo.

The UAAP moved the opening of its Season 89 men’s football tournament to October to make its players and coaches available for the Asian Games. UP head coach Popoy Clarino is the national team’s lead assistant coach.

The Philippines enters the tournament after a first semifinal appearance in the U23 ASEAN Championship–Mandiri Cup in August 2025, a winning record in the U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers in September 2025 and a first Southeast Asian Games semifinal appearance last December.

“Their focus should be on doing everything possible in their club environments to put themselves in the best physical and mental condition to represent the country,” McPherson said.

The Asian Games men’s football tournament features Under-23 teams, with each squad allowed to field three players above the age limit.