Iraq - Philippines match review
The Iraq team was shocked when they were eliminated from the 2023 Asian Cup on January 29, when they were narrowly defeated by Jordan 3-2 in the round of 16. Before that, Iraq had passed the group stage with 3 consecutive wins against Indonesia, Japan and Vietnam, scoring 8 goals and conceding 4 goals.
The failure at the 2023 Asian Cup has not yet ended for the Lions of the double digits (Iraqi team's nickname), but they will now focus all their efforts on the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Jesus Casas' team has won all of their first two matches.
The team beat Indonesia 5-1 at home, beat Vietnam 1-0 away. Thanks to that, Iraq is leading Group F with 6 points, better than Vietnam (3 points), Indonesia and the Philippines (all with 1 point).
Meanwhile, the Philippines have a contrasting return form. They lost 0-2 to Vietnam in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, before drawing 1-1 with Indonesia. Both of these matches will be played at Rizal Memorial Stadium.
The Philippines have now gone 3 consecutive matches without a win in all competitions, losing 2 and drawing 1 since the official friendly victory over Afghanistan in September 2023.
With a poor start in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) has decided to part ways with coach Michael Weiss and appoint Belgian strategist Tom Saintfiet as his replacement.
The former Gambia strategist faces a huge challenge when he has to help the Philippines win their first victory in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, and at the same time successfully start the new year. away, the Philippines have lost 7/8 recent matches, drawing 1 match with Taiwan (China) with a score of 1-1 on September 8, 2023.
Team information
Coach Jesus Casas Garcia has called up 27 players to prepare for the two matches against the Philippines, including experienced players such as Ahmed Yasin, Vizela midfielder Rashid and captain and goalkeeper Jalal Hassan.
Aymen Hussein received a red card in the match against Jordan at the 2023 Asian Cup, but striker Al-Jawiya will take the lead in the attack of the Lions of the Duong Ha region.
The striker is currently 8th in the national team's all-time scoring rankings with 23 goals in 73 matches. He will form a trio in attack with Ibrahim Bayesh and Youssef Amyn, while Rebin Sulaka and Natiq could pair up as central defenders.
On the Philippines side, Neil Etheridge of Birmingham City is likely to start for the Philippines, making his 78th international appearance since his debut in October 2008. The Southeast Asian team called up 7 new players such as Chima Uzoka, Andres Aldeguer, midfielder Mark Swainston and Michael Baldisimo of San Jose Earthquakes.
Saintfiet has also called up a number of experienced players, including defender Amani Aguinaldo, midfielder Kevin Ingreso and 3-5-year-old striker Reichelt, who has won 82 caps for the national team.
Score prediction
I think this will definitely be the toughest match. Iraq is an Asian football powerhouse. I think they will participate in the World Cup. If you can draw with Iraq, that's great.
If we can win, that will be even more impressive. But don't dream too much, let's work," said coach Saintfiet.
Iraq is ranked 59th in the world, far ahead of the Philippines (139th). With a much superior strength, level and form, the Iraq team is likely to have a big win against their opponent.
Score prediction: Iraq 4-0 Philippines
The Iraq - Philippines match will take place at 2:00 a.m. on March 22.
Expected lineups of the two teams:
Iraq: Hassan; Ali, Natiq, Sulaka, doski; Rashid, Al-Amari; Bayesh, Resan, Amyn; Hussein.
Philippines: Etheridge; Curran, Aguinaldo, Tabinas, Rontini; Rublico, Ingreso, Ott, Porteira; Reichelt, Daniels.
