The Philippine men’s national football team against Iran. Photo by Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The Philippine men’s national football team fell short of clinching their first win at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

This, after the Nationals endured a 5-0 beating from Iraq during their Group F clash in front of 10,014 fans on Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.

After the Filipino strikers were dealt with a penalty early in the game, Iraq's Aymen Hussein took advantage of the call and gave his team a 1-0 lead at the ‘14 mark of the game.

A few minutes later, Amir Fouad backed it up with another score for Iraq in the 30th minute, while Hussein followed it with their third goal six minutes later.

Santi Rublico had a good chance to give the Philippines its first goal in the 38th minute, but it was eventually blocked by Iraq's defense.

Unfortunately for the home side, Iraq was able to increase their lead to five-nil following Zidane Aamar Iqbal’s goal at ‘60 and Zaid Tahseen Hantoosh’s at ‘77, and visitors were also able to block any other attempt by the Nationals to tally their breakthrough goal.

This was the second straight defeat of the Philippines against the Asian powerhouse as they previously absorbed a 0-1 loss against Iraq last March 22 in Basra.

The Philippines are still winless in four games and now have one draw and three defeats, while Iraq is at the top of their group at 4-0-0.