MLS twins Nick and Anthony Markanich set to boost Philippines national football team

The Philippine men’s national football team endured a heartbreaking conclusion to their 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers campaign after being held to a 1–1 draw by the Tajikistan national football team in their final Group A match on Tuesday, March 31.

The result left both sides level on 14 points at the top of the standings, but it was Tajikistan who ultimately secured qualification to the continental tournament, edging the Philippines by the narrowest of margins on goal difference, +11 to +10. The razor-thin separation underscored just how close the Filipinos came to reaching one of Asia’s premier football stages, turning what could have been a historic breakthrough into a painful near-miss.

Despite the disappointment, there remains a strong sense of optimism surrounding the Philippine men’s national team as the program continues to build toward future competitions. The Philippine Football Federation is actively working to strengthen the squad, both through player development and the integration of new international talents.

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One major boost on the horizon comes in the form of Major League Soccer (MLS) twins Nick and Anthony Markanich, who are in the process of securing eligibility to represent the Philippines in international competition. Head coach Carles Cuadrat confirmed that efforts are underway to finalize their passports in time for upcoming tournaments, including the ASEAN Hyundai Cup set for July 24.

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• Nick Markanich (25) – CD Castellón
• Anthony Markanich (25) – Minnesota United
• Jacob Erlandson (25) – Loudoun United

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“We are awaiting the early issuance of the passports of the Markanich brothers, who could greatly strengthen the team. In short, recent and very interesting additions lead us to believe that we have a group of players in a growth phase, who should allow us to compete at a high level in the official tournaments that will be coming up for us in the next few months,” Cuadrat said.

The arrival of the Markanich twins is expected to add depth and firepower to the squad. Nick, a natural striker, has recorded 49 goals in 131 appearances, while Anthony, a defender by trade, has contributed 17 goals in the same number of matches—an indication of his attacking threat from deeper positions.

Cuadrat also emphasized the importance of upcoming friendlies during the FIFA international window, which will serve as preparation for the ASEAN Hyundai Cup. The matches are expected to help integrate new players into the system and refine the team’s tactical approach.

“It will be interesting for us to play the two matches scheduled for June during the next FIFA window, to prepare well for the Hyundai Cup tournament with this new group of players. We should be optimistic about the future of Philippine football, because we are experiencing a period of growth unlike anything we have seen in a long time,” he added.

The Philippines will also be aiming to build on their strong showing in the 2024 campaign, where they reached the semifinals before bowing out in a narrow 3–4 aggregate defeat to Thailand. That run, combined with their recent qualification push, reflects a team steadily gaining experience and competitiveness in Southeast Asian football.

While the failure to reach the Asian Cup remains a bitter setback, the overall trajectory of the program suggests steady progress. With a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talents, the Philippine men’s national team continues to evolve into a more competitive force in the region, with ambitions of translating close calls into tangible success in upcoming tournaments.

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