GOAL

Phl kicks off historic U15 FIFA World Cup bid

DT · Oct 24, 2026, 2:32 AM

THE national men’s football team of Jonas Oliverio, Enrique Fernandez, Jordan Tan, Keanefred Versales, Matthew Zamora, Carlo Rendon, Juan Carlo Morales, Zhian Enario, Josef Peña, Nathan Caligdong, Micah Alva, and Dan Becera is expected to go all out when it competes in the FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival in Azerbaijan. — PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF PFF

The Philippine Men’s National Football Team (PMNFT) steps onto the Hovsan Competition Complex in Baku, Azerbaijan to open its campaign against Morocco in the inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup and Festival on Saturday.

The roster showcases a wide talent pool spanning from Luzon and the Visayas to North America and Europe, with Jordan Tan of Makati FC and Keanefred Cristiane Versales of De La Salle-Zobel guiding the backline in goal.

The defensive wall features Paolo Enrique Fernandez of PAREF Southridge, Juan Carlo Felipe Morales representing FA Manila and Panabo, Davao del Norte, Frank Jonas Oliverio of Makati FC and Negros Occidental, and Matthew Zamora of Arayat FC.

“Representing the Philippines at the first FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival is a milestone for these young players and for our youth program,” Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president John Anthony Gutierrez said.

This historic opening match marks a monumental milestone for Philippine football, as the young squad represents the nation on the global stage in FIFA’s new fast-paced 8v8 tournament format.

“We chose a squad that combines players from our domestic clubs, schools, and regional football associations with Filipinos based abroad. We are proud of all of them, and we ask Filipino fans to support them,” Gutierrez added.

Led by head coach Roxy Dorlas, a former national team player and PMNFT U16 head coach, the team brings together homegrown prospects alongside players based in the United States and Spain.

In the midfield, dynamic playmaking duties belong to Micah Alva from Philadelphia, USA, Nathan Caligdong from the football stronghold of Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo, John Zhian Enario of FA Manila, Quito Alexander Pascual from the LA Galaxy Academy in the USA, and John Carlo Rendon representing Makati FC and Negros Occidental.