Philippines to retain winning core for next matches in AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

The Philippines will depend on its streaking core again in the next stage of the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers next month.

Head coach Carles Cuadrat will not make any changes to the team, led by skipper Sandro Reyes, Bjorn Kristensen, and Jefferson Tabinas.

“We have a core of players, so the normal thing is to be consistent in the players that are giving results to the team. As Mico [Gutierrez] said, at the same time, of course we are working about if we can get new passports, that kind of thing. But I think that it’s not going to be happening this year. We have to talk about 2026. So for the next November training camp, the list will be very similar,” Cuadrat said.

The Spanish-born coach said consistency is key as he will not change any tactics, hoping the players can continue their momentum after consecutive victories against Timor Leste.

“The good thing is that the same group of players have been working together in the national team for the last months,” he said. “So the tactics, as you see, we don’t change a lot the tactics. There is not a lot of changes in the line-up.

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Para sa Bayan 🇵🇭 | Maldives vs Philippines pic.twitter.com/knP9iDdJZi

— Philippine Men’s National Football Team (@pmnft_official) March 27, 2025

Despite this, Cuadrat still wants to improve the team by way of Filipinos who can hopefully join next year.

“We are always trying to make the best competitive team to try to qualify. So, yes, we are paying attention to all the options. We know about some players that, maybe, there is a chance that they can join us. We are ready to make the best possible list for the next two games,” he said.

“The ones that are being considered are the ones who have already played in the other matches. But really new ones, I have no information yet, and I’m not aware,” added Cuadrat. “But we have constant communication with the future prospects that may play maybe next year for the national team,” Cuadrat shared.

Cuadrat’s decision comes after team manager Mico Gutierrez revealed that the team will not play a friendly ahead of their next game against the Maldives on November 18.

“Our next game is on November 18, so we have less than a month to prepare for it. So definitely, we are not looking to do any friendly,” he said.

“So with the short time that we have to prepare for the Maldives, it will be difficult for us to host or to do a friendly in any country at this moment,” added Gutierrez.

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