On July 20, 2023, the Philippine women’s football team was seen training in Dunedin, New Zealand, ahead of their first game in the Fifa Women’s World Cup. This momentous occasion has been months in the making, and the team is determined to not just participate, but to leave a lasting impression on the world stage.
The team’s performance is of utmost importance to hardcore fans, who have eagerly awaited the Filipinas’ entry into the expanded quadrennial meet. This tournament marks a series of firsts for the Philippines, and the team hopes to serve as an inspiration to young dreamers by making a strong impact.
The journey to the World Cup began in September 2021 when the Philippines secured victories over Nepal and Hong Kong in the Asian Cup qualifiers. These wins, under the guidance of coach Marlon Maro and later Alen Stajcic, paved the way for their qualification. The Filipinas finished second in their group, behind Australia, and set up an exciting face-off with the Taiwanese team to secure their place in the World Cup. This marks the country’s first appearance in a World Cup, regardless of gender or age level.
In this expanded edition of the Fifa Women’s World Cup, the Filipinas are one of the 32 teams competing. The tournament features eight additional teams compared to the 2019 edition, including Ireland, Portugal, Haiti, Morocco, Panama, Zambia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. The United States seeks to win their third consecutive title, but formidable teams like England, Germany, and Spain stand in their way.
The Filipinas were placed in Group A alongside co-host New Zealand, Switzerland, and Norway. All of their games will be held in New Zealand.
To prepare for the World Cup, coach Stajcic utilized the 18-month period to hold training camps in the United States and Australia. Additionally, the team traveled to Costa Rica, Chile, and Spain to participate in friendly matches and pocket tournaments. They also competed in the 2022 AFF Women’s Championship, the Southeast Asian Games, and the Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
The Filipinas’ first match will be against Switzerland in Dunedin, followed by an intriguing encounter against the co-host in Wellington on July 25. Their group stage concludes on July 30 in Auckland with a match against Norway. Most of their training is taking place in Auckland, where their base camp is located.
Fortunately, a last-minute deal between Cignal TV and Fifa ensured that Filipinas fans can watch all their games on free television through One Sports on Channel 41 and the new Pilipinas Live app. This broadcasting agreement came after fan demand for local media coverage despite Fifa’s preference for higher bids.
The squad for the World Cup consists of 23 players, including stars Sarina Bolden, Hali Long, Olivia McDaniel, Quinley Quezada, and Katrina Guillou. Inna Palacios, Maya Alcantara, and Isabella Pasion were named as reserves, while notable players Eva Madarang, Jessica Miclat, and Kaya Hawkinson were excluded after the Sydney camp.
Each player selected to the World Cup squad will receive at least $30,000 (approximately P1.64 million). This milestone bonus serves as recognition of their achievement, with the potential for increased rewards if they progress beyond the group stage.
In addition to financial benefits, the Filipinas’ qualification for the World Cup granted them the status of playable teams in the popular football video game, Fifa 23. Trading cards and stickers dedicated to the competition have also been released. The team is proudly outfitted by Adidas, who designed their blue, red, and white kits for the tournament. This partnership was established in February 2023.
The journey to the Fifa Women’s World Cup is an exciting and historic moment for the Philippines. The team’s hard work and dedication will be on display as they strive to make a lasting impression and inspire future generations of footballers.
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