The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) remains optimistic over the future of the national men’s team despite failing to qualify for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

PFF president John Anthony Gutierrez said they gained significant lessons from the recent Asian Cup Qualifiers despite settling for a 1-1 draw against Tajikistan last Tuesday.

While both sides share a similar 4-2-0 win-draw-loss record in Group A, Tajikistan possesses a +11 goal difference compared to the Philippines’ +10 to enter the prestigious continental event.

“This team has shown tremendous character and growth throughout the qualifiers, finishing unbeaten against strong opposition until the very end. We move forward with pride, and gratitude to all the supporters from home and abroad,” Gutierrez said.

“This campaign of the PMNT has laid a formidable foundation to build on for the future.”

The Nationals will not have to wait long to redeem themselves this year.

With the ASEAN Hyundai Cup starting on 24 July, the Philippines has a chance to deploy its best squad as most European leagues will end in May and will start around September.

Players like Filipino-German wingers Gerrit Holtmann and Raphael Obermair as well as striker Bjorn Kristensen, midfielder Sandro Reyes and defender Santi Rublico will return to the squad as they gun for their first-ever final.

The Nationals look to improve from its 2024 semifinal finish after losing to Thailand, 3-4, on aggregate.