PMNFT U23 opens 2026 talent search

The Philippine Football Federation has formally started early preparations for the Philippine men’s under-23 national football team through a talent identification exhibition match held April 28 at the Mall of Asia Sky Pitch in Pasay City.

The match featured two squads composed of promising young players from the UAAP, NCAA Philippines and the Philippines Football League.

The initiative marks a key step in building the next generation of national team prospects as the federation shifts toward sustained, year-round development for the U23 program.

PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez said the activity is part of the federation’s long-term push to prepare young players for international football.

“The preparation process of PMNT U23 is designed to measure the potential of our young players. By putting them in high-level environments early, we accelerate not just their development, but their readiness to meet the standards of international football.”

PMNFT U23 head coach Garrath McPherson said the federation has closely monitored domestic competitions over the past six months to identify a high-potential pool largely composed of players born between 2005 and 2007.

“We have had a close eye on the UAAP and PFL competitions for the last six months. We’ve selected 40 to 44 players of the highest potential, and this group represents the next cohort for the U23 program,” said McPherson. “Talent ID activities like this feed into selections for next year’s SEA Games and the AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers.”

The exhibition match was led by U23 coaches and attended by talent identification and scouting personnel.

Both sides were composed of standout collegiate and club players competing for places in the national pool.

The goalkeepers invited were Nathan Bata of Kaya, Lance Bencio of One Taguig, Inigo Castro of La Salle, Fonsi Gonzalez of UP, Alfonso Loja of Ateneo and Javee Tagle of St. Benilde.

The field players invited were Jamar Andrade of Adamson, Daniel Caganaan of UST, Jian Caraig of UP, Karim Chahine of DB Garelli, William Cosenza of Aguilas, Charles Demeray of FEU, Bacchus Ekberg of La Salle, Stephen Flores of UST, Janjan Jalique of Tuloy, Aarran Long, John McPhil Magalazo II of EAC, Josh Meriño of UP, McJay Naniel of FEU, RJ Pescadera of FEU, Sam Salingay of San Beda, Francis Sambaan of FEU, Caleb Santos of Ateneo, Cyrille Saut of Tuloy, Vincenzo Solidum of UST, Stephen Sorea of FEU, Alonso Aguilar of La Salle, Dale Anoya of St. Benilde, John Banagodos of Adamson, Joaquin Collo of Ateneo, Raiken Comla of UP, Nathan de Ocampo of Ateneo, Jhon Diaz of Tuloy, Jan Donato of UP, Kyler Escobar of UST, Joseph Garces of UP, John Giminez of USPF Cebu, Matteo Lacson of Ateneo, Rodrigo Marinas of UST, Sylver Pormento of UP, Kendrick Saludes of UP, Lorenz Tortona of UP and John Vitualla of St. Benilde.

McPherson said competitive match settings can complement traditional camps at this stage of the national team cycle.

“Talent ID games like this complement traditional training camps. These games allow us to see a group of players in a competitive match with less of an impact on club competitions. When players are placed alongside other high-level talents, you get a clearer picture of their performance ceiling,” he explained.

He also pointed to the possibility of holding similar one-off matches regularly throughout the year.

“It’s incredibly important to see players perform in games like these. These matches give them the platform to showcase their quality without the need for extended camps outside tournament periods.”

McPherson said the U23 program must sustain its momentum after a breakthrough 2025 campaign.

“Leading SEA programs like Vietnam and Indonesia don’t stop preparing, and neither should we. The U23 level is critical in the development pathway, and consistent activity ensures we are ready not just to compete, but to take the next step and win. It also provides a sustainable pipeline for our senior men’s national team”

The PFF described the activity as part of a broader preparation pathway for the PMNFT U23, whose development is tied to future SEA Games and AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifying campaigns.

The Philippine U23 side placed fourth in the 2025 ASEAN U23 Championship, which the PFF described as the country’s highest finish in the regional age-group competition.

After the domestic-based assessment, the PFF will expand its scouting internationally through a talent identification camp in San Diego, California, in May 2026.

The San Diego camp will target Filipino-eligible players born from 2004 to 2009 and based in America.

Interested talents may register through the form provided by the federation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc3VeGmybQcjB-_L7SpMtam4RIhQQe276TBqVzzZi6ES_fveQ/viewform. (PFF)