Aldeguer to Join Philippines Men's National Team for Upcoming Matches
Andres Aldeguer, a freshman forward on the Central Connecticut men's soccer team, was selected to join the Philippines Men's National Team for upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 Preliminary Competition matches and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers. Aldeguer will join the player pool for the upcoming fixtures against Iraq.
"This is a tremendous opportunity for Andres to represent the Phillippines and we couldn't be happier for him," said CCSU head coach David Kelly. "It will be a great experience for him to compete at a high level and represent his home country. Best of luck to him, and we can't wait to see him play!"
Aldeguer joined the Blue Devils for his first season prior to the 2023 campaign. He played in 12 matches, including three starts. Aldeguer was among the starting 11 for his first collegiate match at Bryant on August 24.
"It's definitely a fantastic feeling getting that invitation from the federation. Being able to represent the Philippines has always been something I value and love and am really grateful for," said Aldeguer. "Being able to have this opportunity doesn't happen to many people, and being chosen, especially for the World Cup Qualifiers, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I am really excited about."
"Being part of the CCSU team has definitely helped me mature and get closer to adapting to the physicality of international football," Aldeguer said of how playing as CCSU has helped prepare him for this opportunity. "I expect the intensity and level to be really high during the training and much more during the matches. Iraq will be a tough opponent since they beat top Asia giants, Japan. No matter the result, whether it be a win, loss, or tie, it will definitely be a great overall experience for me."
In addition to representing Philippines at the senior team level, Aldeguer has represented his country at the under-20, under-22 and under-23 levels. He was named Rookie of the Year in the UAAP, which is an athletic association of eight Metro Manila schools.
The upcoming matches are part of the qualification rounds for the 2026 World Cup and the AFC Asian Cup. Aldeguer is the second Blue Devil from the 2023 squad, along with Kyle Halehale (Guam), to be selected for their national team in the competitions.
