Japan and the Philippines stayed unbeaten on day two of the 2026 Asia-Pacific Men’s Lacrosse Championship in Wellington, New Zealand, while the host secured its first win over Korea.
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Japan and the Philippines both improved to 2-0 to set up an enticing encounter on day three. The top spot in the pool and a bye into the semifinals are on the line, and a chance at qualification for the 2027 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship for the Philippines with Japan already qualified as the host. The decisive clash is set for 1 p.m. NZT on Thursday.
The Philippines gutted out a 9-4 win in the final game of the day over Hong Kong, China in a defensive affair where the Philippines erased an early deficit.
New Zealand pulled away from Korea with a six-goal run in the second half to win 13-7 and improve to 1-1. The result put Australia in position to claim the top spot in Pool A on day three and its qualification to the 2027 Men’s Championship, unless Korea can defeat the Aussies by 17 or more goals. The second and third place teams in Pool A will both advance to the play-in round.
Hong Kong, China and China will battle for third place in Pool B, with the winner advancing to the play-in round and keeping its qualification hops alive.
If Japan wins its pool, the play-in round on Friday will determine the final two qualification spots for the 2027 Men’s Championship, alongside the Pool A winner.
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.
Japan
18
Top Performers
Komatsu Yuto: Three goals, three assists
Okamato Neo: 11 face-off wins
Highlights
New Zealand
13
Top Performers
Kris Nebesky: Five goals
James Stacey: 17 face-off wins
New Zealand defense: 15 shots on goal allowed
Highlights
Philippines
9
Top Performers
Daniel Morris: 11 saves
Jonathan Dugenio: 11 face-off wins
Jayden Basalatan: 3 goals
Highlights
