MANILA, Philippines–Randy Schneider and Josef Baccay are set to play for the Philippine men’s football team after being called up for the third round opener of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers against Maldives on March 25 at New Clark City Stadium in Capas, Tarlac.

Both players were included in the 24-man squad along with those who took part in the semifinal run of the Asean Mitsubishi Electric Cup after securing their Philippine passports a few weeks ago, making them eligible to represent the country in international competitions.

Schneider, who plays the midfield position, is the son of a Swiss father and a Filipina mother while Baccay, a defender, has a Filipino dad and a Norwegian father. Both are 23 years old.

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The two are among a number of overseas-based Filipinos being eyed to take part in the national team, along with Andre Leipold and brothers Nick and Anthony Markanich to name a few.

German Bundesliga mainstay Gerrit Holtmann and Thai League mainstay Jefferson Tabinas are making their return after skipping the Mitsubishi Electric Cup as Albert Capellas’ side look to start the final phase of the continental qualifiers on a bright note.

New Clark City is hosting the tie as the Rizal Memorial Stadium has yet to complete the process of replacing its artificial pitch.

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Bjorn Kristenen, Jarvey Gayoso, Santi Rublico, Sandro Reyes, Alex Monis, Zico Bailey, Javi Mariona, Paul Tabinas, Kevin Ray Mendoza, Quincy Kammeraad and Amani Aguinaldo are among the prominent call-ups for the match.

Scott Woods, Michael Baldisimo, Christian Rontini, Jesse Curran, Michael Kempter, Jesper Nyholm and Adrian Ugelvik complete the list.