PMNFT unveils Asean Hyundai Cup 2026 group stage schedule

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Men’s National Football Team (PMNFT) is gearing up for its biggest campaign of the year as it begins its quest in the Asean Hyundai Cup 2026, with the group stage kicking off on July 28 at the New Clark City Stadium in Capas, Tarlac.

The PMNFT, formerly known as the Philippine Azkals, unveiled its Group B schedule, where it will face familiar regional rivals Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Laos.

Thailand, a former champion and runner-up in the previous edition, headlines the group alongside Malaysia, Myanmar, and Laos.

Defending champion Vietnam banners Group A, which also features Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Timor-Leste.

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First, a date with Myanmar

The Philippines will open its campaign at home against Myanmar at the New Clark City Stadium. The Filipinos are coming off a convincing 5-1 victory over the Burmese in the recent Tri-Nations Friendly held in Manila.

The PMNFT then travels to face Laos on August 1 before returning home to host Thailand on August 4 at the same venue. The Filipinos will wrap up their group stage campaign against Malaysia on August 8 in Kuala Lumpur.

The Philippines is hoping to build on its breakthrough run in the 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup, where it finished second in Group B with five points to reach the semifinals.

Led by Sandro Reyes, Bjørn Martin Kristensen, Zico Bailey, brothers Jefferson and Paul Tabinas, and Jarvey Gayoso, the young PMNFT made history by defeating Thailand, 2-1, in the first leg of the semifinals at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. However, the Thais responded with a 3-1 victory at home to complete a 4-3 aggregate comeback and end the Filipinos’ campaign.

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The PMNFT heads into the tournament with momentum after sweeping its recent Tri-Nations Friendlies at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, posting dominant victories over Myanmar and Guam.

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