New Clark City Athletics Stadium to Host Asian Cup Qualifiers

On March 25, 2025, the Philippines men's football team will play its first home game against the Maldives in a crucial AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier at New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac.

Since Rizal Memorial Stadium remains under renovation, the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) has adeptly organized the event at New Clark City Athletics Stadium, ensuring a top-tier experience for both players and fans.

It will be the first time the national football team plays at New Clark City Athletics Stadium, though the venue previously hosted two matches of the Philippines Football League in 2022.

The Philippine men's football team begins its campaign to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 following its successful run in the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup, where the country reached the semifinals for the first time since 2018.

Meanwhile, the Maldives, an island nation with a population of approximately 500,000, considers football its most popular sport.

The country's passion for football is evident through its competitive Dhivehi Premier League, which features top clubs like Maziya, the reigning champions with five titles.

The Maldives will also face Tajikistan and Timor-Leste in the qualifiers, now in its third and final round, where the top teams from each of the six groups qualify for the Asian Cup.

The Philippines enters this match as the clear favorite, boasting a strong squad and the advantage of playing on home turf. A victory would significantly enhance their prospects of securing a spot in the AFC Asian Cup 2027, one of Asia's most prestigious football tournaments.