Angela Beard (13) in action with Sara Eggesvik (8). AFC pool photo
MANILA – The Filipinas and the Philippine Men's National Football U23 Team will face a tough campaign in the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan in September.
The Filipinas are entering their second straight Asian Games appearance, after qualifying anew for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup set to be held in Brazil.
The World Cup-bound Filipinas are grouped with reigning bronze medalist and World No. 16 China, No. 51 Uzbekistan and No. 81 Hong Kong in Group G.
READ: Filipinas book second straight World Cup appearance with rout of Uzbekistan
Last December, the Filipinas won the country's first-ever gold in women's football at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand.
Over on the men's side, the under-23 squad are making their return to the continental stage for the first time in 52 years.
The Philippines, who are ranked the lowest at No. 135, will be up against SEA Games gold medalist and World No. 99 Vietnam, reigning Asiad bronze medalist and No. 60 Uzbekistan, and No. 133 Kuwait in Group C.
Last month, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino said the men's squad were able to secure a berth after India withdrew from the tournament.
Football at the Asian Games will take place from September 14 to October 3 across seven venues in six host cities in the Chubu and Kansai regions.