The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) formally announces the final list of qualified teams advancing to the 2026 PFF National Under-19 and Under-16 Boys’ National Championship Group Stage, completing the ten-team rosters for both age divisions. T
The last remaining berth in the inaugural National U16 Championship was secured by the Iligan-Lanao Regional Football Association (ILRFA), which finished with four points in the tiebreaker—one point ahead of Quezon RFA. ILRFA joins Group B alongside Golden Davao RFA, Camiguin-Misamis Oriental RFA (CMORFA), Negros Occidental RFA, and Olongapo City-Zambales Football Association (OCZFA). Group A will feature the National Capital Region FA, Central Bicol RFA (CBRFA), Misamis Occidental-Ozamiz FA, Mount Apo RFA (MARFA), and Iloilo-Guimaras RFA.
ILRFA expressed pride in its qualification, stating that the team’s “hard work, dedication, and teamwork have paid off — ILRFA is going national!” Head coach Uriel Burda highlighted the efforts of their standout players, adding: “We are so happy and proud that the ILRFA football team qualified for the National Finals… Thank you, PFF.”
In the U19 Emerging Division, two best second-placers advance: MARFA of Cotabato and OCZFA. MARFA topped the tiebreakers with four points, while OCZFA edged Camarines Norte RFA by two goals in goal difference for the last finals slot. MARFA enters Group A with Laguna RFA, CBRFA, Zamboanga del Norte-Dipolog RFA, and South Cotabato-Sarangani-General Santos RFA. OCZFA joins Cordillera RFA, Butuan-Agusan del Norte FA, and Davao South RFA.
OCZFA President Roberto Dy said their simultaneous U16 and U19 qualification “is a testament to how well and alive football is in our area,” adding that the achievement validates long years of grassroots work across Olongapo, Zambales, and Bataan.
PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez congratulated all qualified teams, emphasizing that these results reflect outstanding regional development. “Every RFA worked hard to reach this stage, and we value their commitment in developing our youth. These teams represent the strength of Philippine grassroots football,” he said.
He also reaffirmed the Federation’s nationwide talent-scouting mandate: “PFF is committed to scouring every corner of the country to find young, fresh talents. Well-organized national tournaments like this ensure that deserving players and teams have the platform to rise to the top.”
PFF looks forward to an exciting National Group Stage in Bacolod in April as the country’s best youth teams compete for national supremacy and continued footballing excellence.
Final list of qualified teams to the PFF Boys’ National Championship:
