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Inside The PFF Fan Zone At The Azkals’ World Cup Qualifier Matches

By Annika Caniza - November 22, 2023
Food, drinks, music, mini-games — there was a lot for Filipino football fans to enjoy in the PFF Fan Zone!

The Azkals may not have walked away from their first two matches in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers with wins. But the real winners? The Filipino fans.

Before the Azkals’ matches against Vietnam and Indonesia, the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) launched a campaign that called Filipinos to ‘#StandYourGround’, and with this, their main goal was to get Rizal Memorial Stadium filled with 10,000 fans to support the Azkals in this major football tournament.

Heeding the PFF’s call, the Filipino fans showed up in full force. They flocked to the Rizal Memorial in the thousands, many of them wearing their scarves (despite Metro Manila heat), wearing Azkals jerseys, and carrying supportive signs and banners. It was a spectacle in and of itself.

Anticipating a big turnout thanks to their #10KStrong campaign, the PFF prepared a little treat for the Filipino fans who turned up to the matches. When the Azkals fans arrived, they were able to enjoy the PFF Fan Zone and Mess Hall, where they could await kick-off with good food, drinks, live music performances, mini-games, and of course, any sports fans’ favorite pastime: conversations about the games.

Missed the games and want to see what went down? Or want a recap to reminisce some of your favorite Azkals memories from the Fan Zone? Here’s what the PFF Fan Zone looked like, vibrant with passion for Philippine football!

Swipe to see scenes from the PFF Fan Zone!
Azkals fans at the World Cup Qualifiers PFF Fan Zone
The World Cup Qualifiers was a chance for Filipino football fans to show their deep passion for the sport.
Azkals fans at the World Cup Qualifiers PFF Fan Zone
In the Fan Zone, attendees were provided with face paint that they were free to use to showcase their colors in full color.
Azkals fans at the World Cup Qualifiers PFF Fan Zone
Philippine flags were all over many fan faces at the Azkals’ World Cup Qualifier home games.
Azkals fans at the World Cup Qualifiers PFF Fan Zone
Fans came in the thousands to fill up Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Azkals fans at the World Cup Qualifiers PFF Fan Zone
In the Fan Zone, spectators got to wait for kick-off while enjoying live performances by local artists.
Azkals fans at the World Cup Qualifiers PFF Fan Zone
To pass the time and to get into the spirit of competition, the PFF also set up mini games for fans to play!
Azkals fans at the World Cup Qualifiers PFF Fan Zone
Of course, the fans had the chance to sit down with other fans to discuss predictions, analyses, and player favorites.
Azkals fans at the World Cup Qualifiers PFF Fan Zone
Playing on home soil, the Azkals surely had their countrymen behind them.
ph vd indo
World Cup Qualifiers Philippines vs Indonesia); Captured at Rizal Memorial Stadium on 11.21.23 by Jihan Ivy P. Caparros / Shutterd.
Laliga
LaLiga also set up a mini-game in the PFF Fan Zone, where players had to try to shoot the ball in one of the corner targets.
Jihan_2023
Fans showed up in full force wearing scarves, jerseys, and Philippine colors.
face paint
Many young Filipino fans came to Rizal Memorial to cheer on the Azkals, showing a budding interest in the next generation.
family bonding
Families also got to enjoy the event all together.
laguna's first sport cafe
Fans were treated to good food and good drinks in the Fan Zone.
for heaven shake
The fans beat the heat with refreshing drinks in the Fan Zone.
World Cup Qualifiers
All in all, it was a day for Filipino sports fans to remember as they got to share their passion for football with thousands of others!

Images courtesy of PFF.


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