THE Philippine Women’s National Football Team is set for tough group stage battles against Uzbekistan, Hong Kong, and powerhouse China in the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.
Despite facing a challenging draw, the team enters the tournament determined to rely on the resilience and fighting spirit that have defined the program in recent years.
Philippine Football Federation (PFF) President John Anthony Gutierrez expressed gratitude to the Philippine Olympic Committee, the coaching staff, government partners, corporate sponsors, and supporters for providing the squad with optimal preparation ahead of Asia’s premier sporting event.
Building on their historic quarterfinal debut at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, Gutierrez remains confident in the squad’s capability to push even further, noting that the group will test the team’s caliber, but that is precisely where the Filipinas have always thrived.
Head coach Mark Torcaso emphasized that the tournament serves as a key stepping stone toward the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Because the Asian Games fall outside the FIFA international window, the roster features several young and emerging players taking on expanded roles to aid long-term growth.
Forward and newly crowned PFF Women’s League MVP Alex Carpio highlighted that the growing number of Filipinas competing in top international leagues reflects the steady progress of domestic football, fueling optimism for the campaign ahead.
Following their Asian Games run, the Filipinas will continue their World Cup preparations with a high-altitude training camp in Peru this October to simulate tournament conditions. Ahead of the opening match, the PFF finalized roster adjustments by adding veteran midfielder Bhebhe Lemoran, fullback Janly Fontamillas, and teenage goalkeeper Leah Bradley to replace the injured Angie Beard, along with Tea Pidding and Gaby Rourke.
The Philippines will open its campaign at the Gifu Nagaragawa Stadium against Uzbekistan on September 14 at 1 p.m. (Manila time), followed by a match against Hong Kong on September 17 at 6 p.m., before wrapping up the group stage against China on Sept. 21 at 3:00 p.m.
