HISTORIC MILESTONE: PHILIPPINE FOOTBALL REACHES SEMIFINALS IN BOTH MEN’S AND WOMEN’S DIVISIONS AT SEA GAMES
13 December 2025
MANILA — Philippine football is making history at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, as both the men’s and women’s teams advance to the semifinals for the first time in SEA Games history.
“First time. It’s never happened before,” said Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president John Gutierrez on Thursday night, following the Filipinas’ commanding 6-0 victory over Malaysia, which mirrored the U22 men’s squad’s progression to the next round.
The U22 men’s team topped Group C with flawless performances, marking their return to the semifinals after a 34-year absence. They are scheduled to face Vietnam on Monday at Rajamangala Stadium, with a place in the gold medal match on the line.
Meanwhile, the Filipinas, who captured bronze in 2021, are back in the semifinals after missing the knockout stage in the previous SEA Games in Cambodia. They will clash with host nation Thailand on Sunday at Chonburi Daikin Stadium.
“Having both our men’s and women’s teams in the semis is a first, and we’re very proud of that,” Gutierrez said. “But it’s not over yet. We cannot be complacent. Our goal is to reach the finals in both divisions, and we must stay fully prepared. Congratulations to the Philippine nation for this historic achievement. It’s a major milestone, but we aim to go further.”
Gutierrez also expressed optimism for the Filipina5 futsal team, set to compete in the women’s futsal tournament from December 12-18 in Samut Prakan.
