The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) has started preparations to come up with a lineup for the Philippine Men’s National Football Team (PMNFT) Under-23 squad for next year’s 34th Southeast Asian Games and AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers.
The PFF got the process underway through talent identification exhibition matches with young and talented players coming from UAAP, NCAA and Philippine Football League (PFL). The exhibitions aimed to usher in a strategic shift toward sustained, year-round development of the U23 program, even outside of tournament windows.
Long Term Development Begins for PFF
According to PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez, this move further strengthens the mission of the program in having a long term development as it now begins for them.
“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.”
Meanwhile, for PMNFT U23 head coach Garrath McPherson, he mentioned that they listed out the names of the players who were born between 2005 to 2007 and monitored their performances in their respective leagues.
“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.
The Essence of These Exhibition Matches
McPherson emphasized the importance of playing in competitive matches to supplement standard training camps at this point in the 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.
McPherson also noted the possibility of organizing similar standalone matches on a regular basis 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.”
He then stressed the need to sustain the momentum built from the U23 side’s breakthrough 2025 campaign following the success of fellow southeast asia countries like Vietnam and Indonesia.
“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”
Meet the 42 Players
Here is the list of the 42 players who are part of the PFF’s talent identification:
GOALKEEPERS:
- Nathan Bata (Kaya)
- Lance Bencio (One Taguig)
- Inigo Castro (La Salle)
- Fonsi Gonzalez (UP)
- Alfonso Loja (Ateneo)
- Javee Tagle (St. Benilde)
FIELD PLAYERS:
- Jamar Andrade (Adamson)
- Daniel Caganaan (UST)
- Karim Chahine (DB Garelli)
- William Cosenza (Aguilas)
- Charles Demeray (FEU)
- Bacchus Ekberg (La Salle)
- Stephen Flores (UST)
- Janjan Jalique (Tuloy FC)
- Aarran Long (Kaya FC)
- John McPhil Magalazo II (EAC)
- Josh Meriño (UP),
- McJay Naniel (FEU)
- RJ Pescadera (FEU)
- Sam Salingay (San Beda)
- Francis Sambaan (FEU)
- Caleb Santos (Ateneo),
- Cyrille Saut (Tuloy FC)
- Vincenzo Solidum (UST)
- Stephen Sorea (FEU)
- Alonso Aguilar (La Salle)
- Dale Anoya (St.Benilde)
- John Banagodos (Adamson)
- Joaquin Collo (Ateneo)
- Raiken Comla (UP)
- Nathan de Ocampo (Adamson)
- Jhon Diaz (Tuloy FC)
- Jan Donato (UP)
- Kyler Escobar (UST)
- Joseph Garces (UP)
- John Giminez (USPF Cebu)
- Matteo Lacson (Ateneo)
- Rodrigo Marinas (UST)
- Sylver Pormento (UP)
- Kendrick Saludes (UP)
- Lorenz Tortona (UP)
- John Vitualla (St. Benilde)
After completing the domestic-based evaluation, PFF will broaden its scouting efforts overseas with a talent identification camp set in San Diego, California, in May 2026, aimed at Filipino-eligible players residing in the United States.
