Football may be the world’s most popular sport, but in the Philippines, it has long played second to basketball and volleyball. Despite this, Philippine football has delivered historic wins on the international stage.
Here are five of the most significant moments that shaped the sport’s rise.
The Azkals Reach a Record FIFA Ranking
The Philippine Men’s National Football Team, widely known as the Azkals, reached a historic FIFA ranking of 113 after defeating Tajikistan in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. The win lifted the country from 115 to 113, the highest ranking ever achieved by an ASEAN nation at the time. The milestone marked a major step forward for Philippine football on the global stage.
The Filipinas Win SEA Games Gold
The Philippine Women’s National Football Team secured its first-ever gold medal at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games. The Filipinas defeated defending champions Vietnam in a dramatic penalty shootout, making the victory even more memorable. The win solidified their growing dominance in regional competition.
The Filipinas Earn a Historic Women’s World Cup Victory
In the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Filipinas stunned co-host New Zealand for the country’s first-ever win in a FIFA World Cup tournament. Sarina Bolden scored the decisive goal in the 24th minute. Although the team did not advance further, the victory proved that the Philippines could compete on football’s biggest stage.
The Under-16 Squad Wins the Lion City Cup
The Philippine Under-16 National Team captured its first international title at the 29th Lion City Cup in Singapore in 2025. The team went undefeated, including a 2-0 win over the host nation and a comeback 3-1 victory against Cambodia in the final. The championship signaled a strong pipeline of young talent.
The Under-22 Team Reaches the SEA Games Final
The Philippine Under-22 Men’s National Team reached the SEA Games final for the first time in 2025 after key wins over Indonesia and Myanmar. Although the team fell short of a podium finish, its performance demonstrated resilience and reinforced confidence in the future of Philippine football.