SONA 2026: President Marcos hopes to see PH men's football team in FIFA World Cup

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday took pride in the latest achievements of rising tennis star Alex Eala and the FIFA Women's World Cup-bound Philippine Women's National Football Team.

In his 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos said he hopes that the female athletes' recent success will inspire Filipinos to try out tennis and football, among other sports.

"Sa nag-uumapaw nating suporta kay Alex Eala, sana ay marami ang maengganyo para matuto at maglaro hindi lamang ng tennis kundi ng iba pang sport. Sa halimbawa ng Filipinas women’s football team, sana rin ay mas sumikat pa ang football sa ating bansa at marami ang maglaro (To our overflowing support for Alex Eala, I hope that many will be inspired to learn and play not just tennis but other sports. Also, taking an example from the Filipinas women's football team, I also hope that football will become more famous in our country and many will play)," Marcos said.

A week after Spain won the men’s World Cup 2026 against Argentina, the President said he longs for the day when the Philippine Men's National Football Team makes it to the quadrennial event too.

"Balang araw, baka makasali na ang Pilipinas sa (Someday, maybe the Philippines will qualify for the FIFA) World Cup," he shared his wish.

Marcos also took pride in saying that his administration tripled its support for Philippine sports.

"Hindi lamang dahil sa aliw na hatid nito, kundi para sa kalusugan (It's not just because of the entertainment it brings, but also for health)," Marcos said.

The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) thanked the President for mentioning the football achievements in his SONA.

“Sama-sama nating iangat ang Pilipinas sa global stage ng football (Let us work together to elevate the Philippines on the global football stage),” the PFF said in a statement posted on its Facebook page.

-Ivan Stewart Saldajeno/Philippine News Agency