PHL sets training camp in Dubai ahead of clash with Iraq

THE PHILIPPINES has set for a four-day training camp in Dubai before tackling powerhouse Iraq in the coming window of the 2026 FIFA Asia Cup and 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers.

The March 16 to 20 camp serves as final preparations before the No. 139 Pinoy booters face the 59th-ranked Iraqis on the 21st at the 65,000-seater Basra Stadium at the resumption of Group F hostilities.

After this, the squad formerly known as the Azkals then hosts the Iraqis on the 26th over at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Belgian Tom Saintfiet, the coach at the helm, has actually started camp in Manila featuring players from the Philippines Football League and collegiate standouts. The big guns from Europe are expected to be on board as the double showdown with the 2007 Asian champions draws nearer.

The goal, according to Mr. Saintfiet, is to steal at least a point against the unbeaten Iraqis (six points on 2-0 win-loss) to boost the Philippines’ bid for Top 2 in the group and a ticket to the Asian meet and the next round of the World Cup qualifications. “It’s a tough task immediately against the (group’s) strongest team and we need to start naturally with a good result,” said Mr. Saintfiet.

The Filipinos run third in the bracket with one point off a 0-2 loss to Vietnam and 1-1 draw with Indonesia in the November 2023 window. The Vietnamese are second with three points (1-1 win-loss) while the Indonesians are fourth with one point (onedraw, one-loss).

“We’re not just looking at the games against Iraq but beyond them. The qualification (stage) is long. If we want to be in the Top 2 of the group, it’s still possible, we have to believe that,” he said.

“We’re two points behind Vietnam, we need to steal points against Iraq and then we’ll go for victories against Vietnam and Indonesia in June (final window).”