The Philippine women’s football team is back on the international stage as it begins its campaign for a spot in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup — and possibly a second straight FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance. The journey starts with a Group G opener against Saudi Arabia on Sunday, June 30, at the National Sports Complex in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
With head coach Mark Torcaso at the helm, the Filipinas are eager to overcome a relatively new Saudi squad in the 5 p.m. kickoff. The team must top the group to punch a ticket to the Asian Cup in Australia next year.
Joining the Philippines and Saudi Arabia in Group G are host nation Cambodia and Hong Kong, which the Filipinas will face on July 2 and July 5, respectively.
This marks the team’s first major tournament since last year’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament. The squad has since gone through transitions, including the exit of former team manager Jeff Cheng and a string of friendly matches to rebuild momentum.
Despite the absence of key strikers Sarina Bolden and Katrina Guillou, the Filipinas are entering the qualifiers with a formidable lineup. Veterans like Hali Long, Olivia McDaniel, Quinley Quezada, and Sara Eggesvik are expected to anchor the team, joined by standouts such as Jaclyn Sawicki, Jessika Cowart, and Angela Beard.
The expanded roster also includes promising talents like Gabrielle Baker, Ava Villapando, and Carleigh Frilles, blending experience and youth as the team looks to replicate — or surpass — its historic World Cup debut in 2023.
That previous milestone was built from the ground up, starting with victories in the 2021 qualifiers in Uzbekistan. Now, the Filipinas are hoping history repeats itself — with an even stronger finish this time around.
