By: Gil Moriones
CALOOCAN CITY -- After their disappointing result in the recent Asian Cup Qualifiers, the Philippine Men’s National Football Team (PMNFT) will return to action during the June FIFA Window. Team manager Mico Gutierrez revealed Saturday morning that the squad will face Guam and Myanmar in a tri-nation friendly tournament.
In an interview with Dugout Philippines during the Aboitiz Football Cup Season 25 in Lipa, Batangas, Gutierrez confirmed the international friendlies against Guam on June 3 and Myanmar on June 9. Both matches will be held at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
The tri-nation format involves all three teams facing one another.
"June 3 will be Philippines vs. Guam. June 6 will be Guam vs. Myanmar and then, June 9 will be Philippines vs. Myanmar - all in Rizal", Mr. Gutierrez narrated.
The tournament is part of the national team's intensive preparation for their upcoming campaign in the 2026 Hyundai Cup, which starts on July 28.
"Well its a FIFA window, we need to be active, we need to prepare for Hyundai Cup. So si Guam showed interest and then we needed to look for one more team and then Myanmar agreed to do a friendly", Mr. Gutierrez said.
Regarding the fans waiting for the match announcements as the June window approaches, Gutierrez noted that they recently received confirmation from Myanmar.
"Well, it has to be officially announced because we just got the go ahead from Myanmar, yesterday. So, we are waiting for their official approval to join the friendly", Mico added.
The players are expected to arrive in Manila on May 31.
Gutierrez also mentioned that they have called up several PFL players, given that the Hyundai Cup does not fall within a FIFA Window. Because of the limited availability of Europe-based players, the roster for the biennial tournament is expected to be composed primarily of local players.
Paul Tabinas, Randy Schneider, and Pocholo Bugas were named as available for the tri-nation friendlies, though it is not yet confirmed if they will be fielded for the Hyundai Cup.
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