Philippines announces squad for upcoming Iraq qualifiers

The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) has selected 28 players for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026/AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 2 matches against Iraq.

Philippines coach Tom Saintfiet is set to lead the team against Iraq on March 21 in Basra, followed by the return leg on March 26 at Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.

Goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, serving as team captain, heads the squad, which includes seasoned players Patrick Reichelt, Daisuke Sato, and Kevin Ingreso. Kaya FC-Iloilo talents Jarvey Gayoso and Marco Casambre, Dynamic Herb Cebu FC’s Jeremiah Borlongan and Chima Uzoka, and standout Theo Libarnes from Far Eastern University have made a notable impression on Saintfiet during the recent training camp.

“We have a well-balanced group,” Coach Saintfiet remarked. “We have a good team to face Iraq, but we must be professional and try to earn some points. Our squad is balanced, with both seasoned players and promising young talent. It’s crucial that we have the right players for every position, those who are up for the challenge.” (PFF photo)

Players:
1. Patrick Deyto – Goalkeeper – Chonburi FC (Thailand)
2. Neil Etheridge – Goalkeeper – Birmingham City FC (England)
3. Kevin Ray Hansen – Goalkeeper – Persib Bandung (Indonesia)
4. Amani Aguinaldo – Defender – Trat FC (Thailand)
5. Pocholo Bugas – Defender – Angkor Tiger (Cambodia)
6. Marco Casambre – Defender – Kaya FC-Iloilo
7. Jesse Curran – Defender – Ratchaburi FC (Thailand)
8. Simen Lyngbo – Defender – Persik Kediri (Indonesia)
9. Jesper Nyholm – Defender – Perak (Malaysia)
10. Christian Rontini – Persija Tangerang (Indonesia)
11. Daisuke Sato – Davao Aguilas UMak FC
12. Jefferson Tabinas – Defender – Buriram United (Thailand)
13. Paul Tabinas – Defender – Vukovar 1991 (Croatia)
14. Justin Baas – Midfielder – Unattachd
15. Matthew Baldisimo – Midfielder – York United (Canada)
16. Michael Baldisimo – Midfielder – San Jose Earthquakes (USA)
17. Kevin Ingreso – Midfielder – Unattached
18. Oskari Kekkonen – Midfielder – Lamphun Warriors (Thailand)
19. Mike Ott – Midfielder – Midfielder – Barito Putera (Indonesia)
20. Jose Elmer Porteria – Midfielder – Dewa United (Indonesia)
21. Santiago Rublico – Midfielder Atletico Madrid (Spain)
22. Mark Swainston – Midfielder – Kaya FC-Iloilo
23. Andres Aldeguer – Forward – Central Connecticut University (USA)
24. Jeremiah Borlongan – Forward – Dynamic Herb Cebu FC
25. Javier Gayoso – Forward – Kaya FC-Iloilo
26. Theo Libarnes – Forward – Far Eastern University
27. Patrick Reichelt – Forward – Kuala Lumpur City FC (Malaysia)
28. Chima Uzoka – Forward – Dynamic Herb Cebu FC