Azkals grouped with Iraq, Vietnam in 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers

The Philippine national men's football team has been grouped with Iraq and Vietnam in the second round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup AFC Asian Qualifiers following the draw held on Thursday.

The three nations were placed in Group F alongside the winner between Indonesia and Brunei, who will battle for the final group stage slot this October.

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— #AsianCup2023 (@afcasiancup) July 27, 2023

The world no. 135 Azkals will first play either Indonesia or Brunei on November 21 before taking on Iraq on March 21, 2024 and Vietnam on June 6, 2024.

Among the Azkals' opponents, Iraq is currently the highest ranked at 70th while Vietnam is at 95th spot in the world rankings.

The Philippines will need to finish within the top two spots in the group stage for tickets to both the third round of the World Cup qualifying tournament and the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

The bottom two teams, on the other hand, will exit the World Cup qualifying round but will still advance to the Asian Cup qualifiers.

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News