The Philippines men’s national football team battles against Myanmar during the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 Group B opener at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News
MANILA – After a turbulent start to its ASEAN Championship campaign, the Philippine Men's National Football Team now braces for its toughest battle yet against regional powerhouse Thailand.
Nearly two years ago in the same tournament, the Filipino booters beat Thailand, 2-1, following a stoppage time goal by Kike Linares to get their first win over the War Elephants in 52 years.
Fast forward to the 2026 ASEAN Championship, Thailand are coming off a 2-0 win over Malaysia, staying atop Group B with a perfect record after two matches.
The Philippines will clash with the seven-time champions on home soil on Tuesday night, looking to repeat the historic 2024 victory.
"It will be a very interesting match. We know that Thailand is a very tough competitor. They are one of the protagonists always in that zone. And also we know that last time that they visit Philippines, they lost the game," Philippines coach Carles Cuadrat said in the pre-match press conference.
"So I guess that they have learned the lesson and of course they don't want to get another loss in our territory. So we know that it's going to be a difficult game, but we are preparing the team for that," Cuadrat added.
As for Javier Mariona, who was part of the squad that beat Thailand in 2024, he is optimistic of their chances to repeat history.
"We're very, very well understood that this is going to be a tough game, but we're preparing very well mentally, physically. Thankfully enough, our traveling has been good," Mariona said.
'We feel very well rested and we're excited to host Thailand. Another opportunity to repeat history as we played at home last time," he added.
Mariona said the team is confident heading into the must-win match against Thailand.
"We are confident. Going to that game back at home in Rizal, we knew we had a chance and we proved that that chance was enough to come away with three points. So we're very excited to host Thailand again and hopefully get another result just like in Rizal," he said.
The Philippines is tied with Myanmar with three points but with an inferior goal difference of zero.
Malaysia is currently in second place with two victories with a +3 goal difference.
The Philippines dropped its first home match against Myanmar, 4-1, followed by a come from behind victory over Laos on the road, 4-1, last Saturday.
READ: PH men's team rallies back to down Laos for first ASEAN Championship win
"It's always great to be able to help the national team, whether it be an assist or a goal. So us having that 4-1 victory is a great feeling and not just me, but the whole team collectively, we feel a lot more on the positive side of things looking into Thailand," Mariona shared.
"And in terms of space and everything to utilize, I think that's something that we're still discussing within the locker room and with the coaching staff, because we have a good game plan coming to this match," he pointed out.
With the weather conditions expected to be a repeat of last Tuesday, Cuadrat said the team has learned to better adjust after their Myanmar match.
"We were trying to make the players understand that the game has to be different and when you play under that conditions. And yeah, the funny thing is that is happening playing at home," he said
"I mean, that we should control the kind of conditions that of course, there is no way to control the weather. So I think that if it happens again, it's going to be a very different match because we have a team that they learn a lot," Cuadrat shared.
Kickoff is at 9 p.m. at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac.