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Tag: AFC Women’s Asian Cup

  • Filipinas keep World Cup dream alive after Japan overwhelms Vietnam

    Filipinas keep World Cup dream alive after Japan overwhelms Vietnam

    A twist of fate and a dominant performance by Japan combined to keep the Philippine women’s national football team’s World Cup hopes alive.


    The Filipinas secured a place in the knockout stage of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup after Japan overwhelmed Vietnam, 4–0, at Perth Rectangular Stadium. The result reshaped the standings among third-placed teams and ultimately opened the door for the Philippines to move forward in the tournament.

     

    Japan’s emphatic victory proved decisive. The four-goal margin pushed Vietnam’s goal difference down to minus-4, dropping them to the bottom of the third-place rankings. That shift allowed the Philippines to remain ahead in the standings and clinch one of the two spots reserved for the best third-placed finishers.

     

    For the Filipinas, it was the final piece of a complicated group-stage puzzle.

     

    The team, coached by Mark Torcaso, endured a challenging run in Group A, suffering defeats to hosts Australia and to South Korea. But their campaign was kept alive by a crucial 2–0 victory over Iran — a result that eventually carried enormous weight when the final standings were calculated.

     

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    Despite finishing the group stage with a goal difference of -2, the Philippines managed to advance thanks to the broader set of results across groups. Uzbekistan also progressed with the same goal difference but with more goals scored.

     

    Meanwhile, two-time Asian Cup champions Japan comfortably topped Group C behind goals from Riko Ueki (21’), Maika Hamano (51’), Aoba Fujino (64’), and Kiko Seike (67’), wherein their commanding performance not only sealed first place in their group but also determined the fate of several teams fighting for the remaining quarterfinal berths.

     

    The Philippines will face Japan in the quarterfinals on March 15 at Accor Stadium in Sydney, with enormous stakes attached to the match. A victory would send the Filipinas straight to the semifinals — and with it, a direct qualification spot for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

     

    The matchup also carries history. The two teams last met in the quarterfinals of the 19th Asian Games, where Japan claimed an 8–1 victory.

     

    Reaching the semifinals of the Asian Cup would guarantee the Philippines another appearance on football’s biggest stage. Even if they fall short in the quarterfinals, the Filipinas will still have another opportunity through the tournament’s play-in round, where two additional World Cup slots will be contested.

     

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  • Mark Torcaso stays confident despite Korea’s strength in Asian Cup clash

    Mark Torcaso stays confident despite Korea’s strength in Asian Cup clash

    After absorbing a narrow 1-0 defeat to host nation Australia women’s national team last Sunday, the Philippines is choosing belief over disappointment as they march into a pivotal Group A duel against South Korea in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup at Cbus Super Stadium.

     

    The sting of conceding early to Sam Kerr in the 14th minute still lingers. Yet what followed that goal may have revealed more about the Filipinas’ character than the scoreboard did. 

     

    They regrouped, reorganized, and frustrated one of Asia’s elite sides for the remainder of the contest — a response that has become the foundation of their mindset heading into Thursday’s 11 a.m. (PHT) showdown with the Taeguk Ladies.

     

    Philippine head coach Mark Torcaso knows exactly what awaits his squad, “South Korea is probably the strongest team in the competition. We’re looking forward to the challenge.”

    South Korea arrives brimming with confidence after dismantling Iran, 3-0, in a display of dominance that saw them monopolize 79 percent of possession. 

     

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    Under head coach Shin Sangwoo, the Taeguk Ladies have blended structure with attacking precision and they are intent on keeping their momentum.

     

    “The players have been training for a very tough match. I think our players have adjusted to the field,” Korea’s head coach Shin said.

     

    The Taeguk Ladies are bannered by seasoned veterans Ji So-yun, who has earned 171 international caps, and Kim Hye-ri with 137 caps, providing leadership and stability on both ends of the pitch.

     

    History favors South Korea, which has won five meetings against the Filipinas since 2018. Still, Torcaso believes his squad gained valuable lessons from its opening match against the hosts. Torcaso remains steady, even energized by the scale of the challenge.

     

    “We had a tough game against the host team in the first round. However, our focus is now on playing South Korea. We’ll be facing probably one of the best and strongest teams in the competition,” Torcaso said.

     

    The top two teams in each of the three groups, along with the two best third-placed squads, will advance to the knockout stage. 

     

    The tournament offers six qualification spots for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

    For the Filipinas, Thursday’s fixture represents both a test and an opportunity — a chance to turn resilience into results and keep their Asian Cup campaign firmly on track.

     

     

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  • Mark Torcaso lauds Filipinas’ fight after tight loss to Matildas

    Mark Torcaso lauds Filipinas’ fight after tight loss to Matildas

    For Filipinas’ head coach, Mark Torcaso, that Sunday night was not about the scoreline it was about the team’s response.

    The Philippines fell 1–0 to the Australia women’s national soccer team, but the narrow margin reflected a performance built on resilience rather than regret. 


    Nearly two years after conceding eight unanswered goals to the same opponent at the same venue, the Filipinas showed just how much they have evolved.

     

    An early 14th-minute header from Sam Kerr handed Australia the lead, threatening to tilt the contest in familiar fashion. Instead of unraveling, the Filipinas steadied themselves. 

     

    They reorganized defensively, matched Australia’s physicality, and refused to allow the match to spiral and Torcaso saw growth in that resolve.

     

    “The last time we played here, it was a lot more than that. Credit to the girls and credit to all the hard work they’ve put in — not only in the last month, but also in the last six months to a year to get to this point where we want to qualify for another World Cup,” the national team head coach said. 

     

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    The fight was most visible between the posts. Goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel delivered a standout performance, tallying 18 saves that repeatedly frustrated the hosts and kept the Filipinas within striking distance. 

     

    Each stop fueled belief on the pitch, reinforcing that this was no longer a side content with competing — it was one determined to contend.

     

    Australia pushed for breathing room throughout the second half, but the Philippines held its defensive shape with discipline. 

     

    The back line absorbed pressure, midfielders tracked tirelessly, and the team’s structure rarely wavered despite sustained waves of attack.

     

    “They know how to stay disciplined, and that encapsulates what a Filipino is. I’m extremely proud of the girls. We’re ready. The girls are ready to confront South Korea, and we know that they’re a very strong side too,” Torcaso said.

     

    That composure will be tested again when the Filipinas face the South Korea women’s national football team, another heavyweight. But if the narrow defeat to the Matildas proved anything, it’s that the gap is closing.

     

    The result may have gone Australia’s way. The message, however, belonged to the Filipinas, and their coach made sure it was heard.

     

     

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  • Filipinas fall short in 1-0 opener against Australia at AFC Women’s Asian Cup

    Filipinas fall short in 1-0 opener against Australia at AFC Women’s Asian Cup

    On Sunday at Optus Stadium in Perth, the Matildas edged out a 1-0 victory in an early strike from all-time leading scorer Sam Kerr in the 14th minute, but the Filipinas refused to be overrun.


    The Philippine squad displayed a defensive discipline that has been missing in past meetings with Australia, including the 4-0 defeat in the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup and the 8-0 setback during the 2024 Olympic Qualifiers. 

     

    Goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel anchored a resilient backline, turning away threats from top Australian talents Katrina Gorry, Clare Wheeler, and Steph Catley.

     

    Backing her up, the central defensive pairing of Jessika Cowart and Hali Long consistently intercepted crosses and cleared threats, while on the wings, left back Sofia Wunsch stifled Ellie Carpenter’s attacks and Angie Beard maintained a calm, effective containment on Australia’s left flank.

     

    The Filipinas were nearly punished again when Hayley Raso appeared to double the host’s lead before halftime, but the VAR intervened to overturn the goal for offside. 

     

    Coach Mark Torcaso praised the effort, acknowledging the disappointment of defeat but emphasizing the fight his team showed. 

     

    “We’re disappointed that we lost a game. But, for us, it was all about fighting till the end, in every single game. I think you saw that today,” the Philippine team coach said. 

     

    Torcaso also added, “I’m pleased that the team did that. We didn’t get the outcome we wanted. But, it’s good for us to keep going in the next two games.”

     

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    The result leaves Australia at the top of Group A with three points, while the Filipinas preserved confidence and minimized the damage, proving they can compete with elite sides. 

     

    The team now sets its sights on a high-stakes rematch against South Korea, a fixture that recalls their semifinal loss to the Koreans in the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup. 

     

    The match is scheduled for Thursday, March 5, at 11:00 AM (PHT) at Gold Coast Stadium. While Australia prepares to maintain momentum against Iran at the same venue at 5:00 PM. 

     

    Beyond the immediate results, the Filipinas’ showing highlighted a growing maturity in the squad. McDaniel’s composure and the defensive unit’s cohesion allowed the team to remain competitive throughout the match. 

     

    Even without possession for extended stretches, the Filipinas’ structure created occasional counterattack opportunities, signaling a strategic evolution under Torcaso.

     

    The narrow loss is a reminder that growth in international competition is measured not just by wins, but by the ability to challenge higher-ranked teams with discipline.

     

     

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  • Young blood and steady veterans fuel Filipinas’ rise

    Young blood and steady veterans fuel Filipinas’ rise

    Fresh off a historic campaign at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, where they dethroned Vietnam to claim their first gold, the national women’s team is now preparing for one of their toughest challenges yet. 

     

    They will compete in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Perth, Australia, where only the semifinalists earn a chance to advance to the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

     

    The 26-woman roster signals a commitment to a generational bridge. Veterans such as Jackie Sawicki, Hali Long, Olivia McDaniel, and Sophia Harrison-Wunsch provide the World Cup-level insight necessary to navigate high-pressure games, offering stability to a squad still defining its international identity.

     

    But it’s the next-generation talent that’s making waves on the field. Jael Marie-Guy (18), Alexa Pino (18), Mallie Ramirez (21), and Bella Pasion (19) represent the next wave of Filipinas talent.  Players who already showcased their potential at the SEA Games and now have a platform to challenge continental heavyweights.

     

    Australia, as hosts, stand as the immediate challenge with South Korea and Iran rounding out a tough game. 

     

    Yet, the Filipinas approach these matches not as daunting trials, but as opportunities to cement their rise on the global stage.

     

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    Fresh energy combined with the experience of veterans creates a delicate balance, one that could define the team’s trajectory for years to come. 

     

    The team’s composition reflects not just readiness for the World Cup but a strategic investment in the future, ensuring continuity while chasing immediate goals.

     

    From the youthful exuberance that disrupted the SEA Games to the seasoned leadership that tempers decision-making under pressure, the Filipinas are presenting a new blueprint for success as one where experience guides energy, and history fuels ambition.

     

    Their journey kicks off on March 1 against host nation Australia, followed by matches with South Korea on March 5 and Iran on March 8. 

     

    For the Filipinas, each game is more than a step toward Brazil, it’s a proving ground for the next era of women’s football in the Philippines.

     

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  • PAGCOR pledges P5 million to support Filipinas ahead of AFC Women’s Asian Cup

    PAGCOR pledges P5 million to support Filipinas ahead of AFC Women’s Asian Cup

    The Philippine women’s national football team, widely known as the Filipinas, is gearing up for one of the biggest challenges in its history: the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Asian Cup in Perth, Australia. Fresh off a landmark campaign at the Southeast Asian Games, where the team captured hearts with its skill, resilience, and tactical discipline, the Filipinas are now setting their sights on making a mark on the continental stage.

     

    Their preparations received a significant boost recently as the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) pledged P5 million to support the team’s campaign. This funding will be channeled through the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) to aid in training, international friendlies, and other preparatory activities leading up to the prestigious tournament.

     

    Alejandro Tengco, PAGCOR chairman and chief executive officer, reiterated the organization’s commitment to Filipino athletes.

     

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    “Our athletes carry the Philippine flag onto the world stage, and their victories inspire millions of Filipinos. When they succeed, the entire nation shares in that achievement. It is only fitting that we provide them with the support they need to train properly and compete at the highest levels,” Tengco said.

     

    He also emphasized that PAGCOR will remit five percent of its gross revenues to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) following a Supreme Court ruling, a move that will expand resources for national sports programs.

     

    “With our increased remittances to the PSC, more resources are being made available for national sports programs. Beyond compliance, we believe in actively backing Filipino athletes who bring pride and recognition to the country,” Tengco added.

    For the PFF, this support comes at a critical time. Competing at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup demands extensive preparation, including high-level training camps, exposure to international competition, and the logistical costs of travel and accommodations. PFF president John Gutierrez expressed his gratitude for the timely assistance:

     

    “We are grateful to PAGCOR for stepping up at a crucial time in our preparations. Competing at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup requires significant resources for high-level training and international exposure. Continued support from our partners ensures that our athletes are fully equipped to compete with Asia’s best.”

     

    The Filipinas’ squad is a blend of seasoned leaders and rising stars. Veteran players provide stability and experience, while younger talents inject energy, pace, and creativity into the team’s tactical setup. Their SEA Games success has not only given them confidence but has also inspired a surge of interest in women’s football across the Philippines.

     

    Preparations for the Asian Cup are being carefully structured. Coaches are emphasizing team cohesion, technical refinement, and exposure to different playing styles through friendly matches against top Asian teams. Strength and conditioning programs, video analysis sessions, and tactical drills form the backbone of a training schedule designed to optimize the squad’s readiness.

     

    Beyond the technical and physical aspects, mental preparation is also a priority. The coaching staff is working to instill a strong competitive mindset, resilience under pressure, and a collective sense of purpose — all essential qualities for a tournament that features the continent’s elite teams.

     

    For fans, the AFC Women’s Asian Cup represents more than just matches on the field. It is a stage where the Filipinas can showcase the progress of women’s football in the country, inspire young players, and elevate the sport’s profile nationwide. Social media engagement, fan support, and media coverage have grown exponentially, reflecting a renewed enthusiasm for the team and the sport.

     

    With PAGCOR’s support and a meticulously planned preparation program, the Filipinas are poised to build on their SEA Games momentum. Every training session, friendly match, and tactical adjustment is geared toward one goal: proving that the Philippines belongs among Asia’s top women’s football teams.

     

    As the countdown to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup continues, expectations are high, but so is the determination of the Filipinas. The team’s journey is a story of national pride, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence — one that promises to inspire a new generation of footballers across the Philippines. Fans will be watching closely as the Filipinas step onto the continental stage, ready to carry the hopes of a nation and elevate Philippine women’s football to new heights.

     

     

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  • Filipinas set for training camp, international friendlies ahead of AFC Women’s Asian Cup

    Filipinas set for training camp, international friendlies ahead of AFC Women’s Asian Cup

    The Philippine women’s national football team, popularly known as the Filipinas, is gearing up for its next major international assignment—the prestigious Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Asian Cup in Perth, Australia. After a historic performance in the SEA Games, the team is looking to build on its momentum and further solidify its position on the continental stage.

     

    Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick Gregorio and Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president John Gutierrez recently held a joint press conference to outline the team’s preparations. The officials confirmed that the Filipinas will embark on a three-week training camp in Manila and Balesin Island before traveling to Australia, where they will face international competition and professional club sides to fine-tune their game.

     

    “They will have a three-week camp in Manila and we invited Bangladesh for a tune-up game. On 23 February, they will fly to Perth and will go up against two professional clubs. The girls will arrive on 30 January and are expected to be complete by 1 February,” Gutierrez said.

     

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    The training camp will not only focus on rigorous on-field drills but also provide the athletes with the opportunity to recover and recharge after their SEA Games success. The PFF has arranged for the team to train in Balesin, which boasts a FIFA-certified pitch—an ideal environment for high-level preparation.

    “They have a very good league in Australia so these friendlies with two first-division teams will help the team in its preparation. Merong FIFA-certified field sa Balesin Island. Now we get to reward the girls for some rest and recreation after their win in the SEA Games and we totally seclude them in the island to prepare for the AFC,” Gutierrez added.

     

    This approach highlights a blend of discipline and careful recovery. By giving the players both quality training and structured downtime, the PFF hopes the Filipinas will enter the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in peak physical and mental condition. Facing professional clubs in Australia is expected to expose the team to different playing styles and tactical challenges, providing invaluable experience ahead of the tournament.

     

    Beyond preparing the current national team, the PFF and PSC are also focused on long-term development for women’s football in the country. The PFF plans to increase the number of football fields nationwide through grants provided by FIFA, the AFC, and the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF), totaling approximately $3.7 million. These investments are expected to improve grassroots development, give young athletes better access to training facilities, and ensure the continued growth of women’s football in the Philippines.

     

    “We are now closely coordinating with DepEd and all state universities and colleges. They have thousands of hectares of land but they do not have the funds to develop sports facilities,” Gregorio stated.

     

    Gregorio also assured that the PSC would assist in identifying suitable sites to serve as new football fields and training centers. By working closely with educational institutions, the PSC and PFF aim to create a sustainable pipeline of talent that can benefit the national team for years to come.

     

    With the Filipinas set to begin their training camp at the end of January, the eyes of Philippine football fans will be on Balesin and eventually Perth, as the team strives to translate its recent SEA Games success into strong showings on the continental stage. The combination of elite training, international friendlies, and enhanced infrastructure development signals a renewed commitment to raising the standard of women’s football in the country.

     

     

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