The Filipinas and the Philippine Men’s Under-23 National Football Team are set for challenging campaigns at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya-Aichi, Japan, after learning their respective group-stage opponents during Thursday’s official draw.

The Filipinas, fresh off qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup — their second consecutive appearance on football’s biggest stage — and currently ranked No. 39 in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings, were drawn into Group G alongside world No. 16 China, No. 51 Uzbekistan, and No. 81 Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, the men’s under-23 team, ranked No. 135 and the lowest-ranked team in its group, landed in Group C, where it will face No. 50 Uzbekistan, No. 99 Vietnam, and No. 133 Kuwait. The squad returns to the Asian Games after securing a late berth in the tournament.

Matches for both national squads will take place from September 14 to October 3 in seven venues across the Chubu and Kansai regions.

On the other hand, the senior men’s national team will compete in two regional tournaments.

The team formerly known as the Azkals will look to finally win the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 in the next few weeks.

They will also participate in the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup, scheduled from September 21 to October 6.

The draw comes as both squads continue their preparations for the Asian Games.

The Filipinas aim to build on their recent rise on the international stage following another World Cup qualification, while the U23 men’s team looks to measure itself against some of Asia’s top opposition.

In the women’s tournament, hosts Japan headline Group A together with North Korea, India, and Singapore. Group C features Chinese Taipei, South Korea, Myanmar, and Bangladesh, while Group D is composed of Australia, Thailand, Chinese Taipei, and Nepal.

On the men’s side, hosts Japan lead Group A alongside North Korea, Palestine, and Yemen. Group B consists of South Korea, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Malaysia, while Group D features China, Iran, Indonesia, and Tajikistan.

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Alas Pilipinas faces a daunting challenge on the continental stage after both the men’s and women’s teams were drawn into tough groups for the volleyball competition of the Nagoya-Aichi 2026 Asian Games this September.

Alas Women, ranked No. 61 in the FIVB World Rankings, landed in Group B alongside No. 7 China and No. 39 Kazakhstan.

Meanwhile, the No. 96-ranked Alas Men were drawn into Group D with No. 26 South Korea, No. 35 China, and No. 60 Chinese Taipei.

The draw comes as both national teams continue their preparations for the Asian Games. The men’s squad is currently competing in the second leg of the 2026 SEA V.League, while the women’s team is set to begin its campaign in the same tournament later this month.

In the women’s tournament, host Japan (No. 6) headlines Group A, which also includes No. 60 Indonesia and No. 69 Nepal.

Thailand (No. 17) leads Group C together with No. 38 Chinese Taipei, No. 99 Kyrgyzstan, and No. 111 Mongolia.

Group D features No. 28 Vietnam, No. 30 South Korea, No. 109 Hong Kong, and unranked Qatar.

On the men’s side, world No. 4 Japan tops Pool A, where it will face No. 46 Pakistan, No. 63 Kazakhstan, and No. 124 Uzbekistan.

Pool B consists of No. 19 Iran, No. 42 Indonesia, No. 61 Thailand, and No. 76 Kyrgyzstan.

Pool C, meanwhile, is made up of No. 24 Qatar, No. 44 India, No. 66 Vietnam, and No. 92 Hong Kong.

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Angel Canino called for unity and support after the Philippine Olympic Committee released the national team pools for the men’s and women’s volleyball competitions in the Aichi-Nagoya 20th Asian Games.

The POC is currently overseeing the Philippines’ volleyball program after the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) remained suspended by the FIVB due to governance issues.

Canino was named to the 22-player women’s pool, which is bannered by Jia de Guzman, Alyssa Solomon, Bella Belen, and Dawn Catindig.

Also included in the pool are Justine Jazareno, Jen Nierva, Eya Laure, Thea Gagate, Fifi Sharma, Vanie Gandler, Alleiah Malaluan, Amie Provido, Niña Ytang, Pangs Panaga, Erika Santos, Arah Panique, Mars Alba, Gel Cayuna, Shaira Jardio, Dell Palomata, and Shaina Nitura.

“Of course, I’m very grateful. And sobrang blessed ako na paglabas ng lineup, I was part of it,” said Canino on Monday during the Collegiate Press Corps Awards Night at Discovery Suites Manila.

“But of course, we’re still in the process of it. So, hopefully, lahat ng mga mangyari when it comes to the Asian Games, hopefully, mag-inline bawat isa. And hopefully, mas maging supportive tayo sa bawat isa,” she added.

The quadrennial continental sporting event takes place in September in Japan.

Canino and Provido — who both opted to use their final year of eligibility with De La Salle University in UAAP Season 89 — are no strangers to national team duty after representing Alas Pilipinas in previous international competitions.

The UAAP Season 85 Rookie-MVP earned Best Opposite Spiker honors in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup before winning Best Outside Spiker awards in both the 2025 AVC Nations Cup and the 2025 SEA V.League.

For Lady Spikers head coach Ramil de Jesus, the inclusion of Canino and Provido in the national pool will play a key role in their continued development as they prepare to defend La Salle’s UAAP title following its Season 88 championship sweep.

“Para sa akin, yung Asian Games, malaking bagay yun. Once every four years lang yun. So sabi ko sa kanila, gusto ko yun para sa inyo para mas ma-build yung confidence niyo,” said De Jesus.

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