The Philippines shocked Japan, 10-9, in a double overtime thriller on the final day of pool play at the 2026 Asia-Pacific Men’s Lacrosse Championship in Wellington, New Zealand on Thursday, securing its spot in the semifinals and qualification to the 2027 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship in Japan.
The Philippines will make its third appearance in the Men’s Championship in 2027 after appearing in 2018 and 2023. The Philippines’s best ever finish in the event was 10th place in 2018, and Thursday’s win came against a Japan team that tied its record-best fifth place finish in 2023.
The back and forth affair was another instant classic deciding a qualification spot for a World Lacrosse senior championship. Japan led 6-2, but the Philippines rattled off five second half goals in a row to lead 9-7 ahead of the fourth quarter.
Japan fought back to tie the game with six minutes to go, and then a tense 21-minute goalless standoff ensued that spanned into double overtime. Nicholas Marsh scored the game-winning goal.
ICE IN HIS VEINS ❄️
— World Lacrosse (@WorldLacrosse) January 8, 2026
Nick Marsh delivers the game-winner in double OT against Japan 🚨🇵🇭
The Philippines has qualified for the 2027 World #Lacrosse Men's Championship and will also head to the 2026 Asia-Pacific Men's Lacrosse Championship semifinals!#APMLC26 x #WLMC27 pic.twitter.com/WzjuxcCUKK
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Australia wrapped up the top spot in Pool A with a 27-5 win over Korea, locking down its spot in semifinals and the 2027 Men’s Championship. Australia is one of four teams to have appeared in all 14 of the previous editions of the event.
Japan has already qualified for the 2027 Men’s Championship, leaving one spot remaining.
Hong Kong, China won the opening match of the day, 17-2, against China, to advance to the play-in round and eliminate China from qualification contention.
The first matchup of the play-in round on Friday will feature New Zealand against Hong Kong, China at 10 a.m. NZT. The second match will pit Japan against Korea. The winner of the the first matchup will qualify for the 2027 Men’s Championship if Japan advances in the second matchup, ensuring the four spots allocated to the Asia-Pacific Lacrosse Union will go to the top four finishers in Wellington.
Australia and Philippines receive a bye day until the semifinals on Saturday.
Live statistics throughout the event are available at worldlacrosse.sport/APMLC26 and streaming is available with an event pass on WL TV for $20 USD.
Hong Kong, China
17
Top Performers
Chun Wai Tun: One Goal, four assists
Edward Lie-A-Chong: Eight saves, 89% save percentage
Ka Ho Geoffrey Tsoi: 13 face-off wins
Highlights
Philippines
10
Top Performers
Jonathan Dugenio: 13 face-off wins, three goals, two assists
Daniel Morris: 11 saves, 55% save percentage
Highlights
Australia
Top Performers
Matthew Wood: Six goals, two assists
Lachlan Walker: Three goals, four assists
Mitchell Baker: Two goals, three assists
Highlights
