Advertisement
Football

Previewing the PMNFT Squad for the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026

By Amiel Dugenia - July 23, 2026

Take a look at the squad of PMNFT for the upcoming ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026.

After a successful Tri-Nation Friendlies campaign against Myanmar and Guam, the Philippine Men’s National Football Team (PMNFT) now shifts its focus to a bigger challenge, which is the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026. The Philippines opens its Group B campaign on July 28 against Myanmar before taking on regional heavyweights Thailand, Malaysia, and Laos in what promises to be a highly competitive group. With only the top two teams advancing to the knockout stage, every match will be crucial.

The Philippine Football Federation has unveiled the 26-man squad for the tournament, retaining much of the core that featured during the recent friendlies while rewarding several standout performers from the domestic league. 

Building From The Friendlies

PMNFT

Much of this squad earned their places through impressive performances during the Tri-Nation Friendlies, where the Philippines dominated both Myanmar and Guam and showed encouraging signs on both ends of the pitch. The lineup will also try to integrate several players who have impressed in domestic competitions.

Midfielder Sandro Reyes is expected to lead the side. He will be supported by the experienced Oskari Kekkonen and a talented midfield group that includes Cole Mrowka – who scored a debut goal with the national team in the previous friendlies, Kenji Nishioka, Javier Mariona, and Gavin Muens, giving the Philippines multiple options in both attack and defense. At the back, veterans Daisuke Sato and Christian Rontini bring leadership to a defense that also features exciting young talents such as Santi Rublico and Noah Leddel. Quincy Kameraad and Patrick Deyto lead the goalkeeping pool, along with a fresh face in Ico Mangaoang.

Up front, Jarvey Gayoso and Andre Leipold, who both had memorable games against Myanmar and Guam, headline an attacking group that will look to convert the chances created by the midfield. Joining them in the attack are Pocholo Bugas, Aarran Long, Andres Aldeguer, Martini Rey, and Elijah Ritarita.

Notable Absences

Tabinas Brothers

Among the most notable absences are brothers Jeff and Paul Tabinas, who won’t be available for the tournament after playing key roles in the national team in recent years. Also unavailable are Sebastian Rasmussen and Bjorn Kristensen, reducing the team’s attacking depth heading into the tournament that falls on a non-FIFA window.

While the omissions mean the Philippines will be without several experienced options, they also open the door for younger and emerging players to step into bigger roles. The coaching staff has instead placed its trust in the core that impressed during the Tri-Nation Friendlies, complemented by standout performers from the domestic league. Despite those absences, the PMNFT still enters the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 with a balanced squad that blends experience, youth, and attacking quality as it aims to secure one of the two knockout-stage berths from Group B.

Images from the Philippine Football Federation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Midfielder Sandro Reyes is expected to lead the Philippine Men’s National Football Team, supported by experienced midfielder Oskari Kekkonen and a midfield group that includes Cole Mrowka, Kenji Nishioka, Javier Mariona, and Gavin Muens.

The Philippines opens Group B play on July 28 against Myanmar, before facing regional heavyweights Thailand, Malaysia, and Laos, with only the top two teams from the group advancing to the knockout stage.

Brothers Jeff and Paul Tabinas are unavailable for the tournament despite recent key roles with the national team, along with Sebastian Rasmussen and Bjorn Martin Kristensen, reducing the squad’s attacking depth.

The Philippine Football Federation named a 26-man squad for the tournament, retaining much of the core from the recent Tri-Nation Friendlies against Myanmar and Guam while adding standout performers from the domestic league.

Jarvey Gayoso and Andre Leipold headline the attack after standout performances against Myanmar and Guam, joined by Pocholo Bugas, Aarran Long, Andres Aldeguer, Martini Rey, and Elijah Ritarita.

RELATED STORIES

Amiel Dugenia

Amiel Dugenia

WRITER / SOCIAL MEDIA ASSOCIATE

Amiel Dugenia is a writer and social media associate at The GAME. His work explores the intersection of sports, lifestyle, fashion, and pop culture, with a focus on football, basketball, and pro wrestling.

Recommended Video

Tap to Unmute
Unmute
0:00
0:00 / 0:00
0:00
Advertisement

To provide a customized ad experience, we need to know if you are of legal age in your region.

By making a selection, you agree to our Terms & Conditions.