Filipinas eye crucial win vs South Korea after gritty loss to Australia

The result may not have gone their way, but the mission is far from over.

After absorbing a tight 1-0 defeat to host Australia women’s national soccer team in their opener of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, the Philippines women’s national football team are quickly turning the page—with their sights firmly set on a crucial showdown against South Korea women’s national football team.

A 14th-minute header from Australian star Sam Kerr proved to be the difference in the opener, but the Filipinas showed composure and defensive discipline to prevent the match from turning into a rout. Goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel delivered key saves throughout the contest, while an offside call denied Hayley Raso a second goal that could have widened the gap.

The narrow margin could play a significant role in the group standings, where goal difference often determines who advances. With the top two teams in each group progressing to the quarterfinals—along with the best third-placed sides—every goal matters.

Head coach Mark Torcaso stressed resilience after the match but acknowledged that improvement is key heading into their next assignment.

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#WAC2026 kicks off in days! Cheer for the Filipinas when they take on Group A on these match dates


March 1 Sunday
5pm PHT
Perth Stadium


March 5 Thursday
11am PHT
Gold Coast Stadium


March 8 Sunday
5pm PHT
Gold Coast Stadium pic.twitter.com/JodzLNxPAK

— Philippine Women’s National Football Team (@PilipinasWNFT) February 25, 2026

“Obviously disappointed we lost the game, but as I said at the start of the campaign, for us it was all about just fighting right to the end in every single game and I think we saw that,” said Torcaso.

“So I’m pleased with the team that we did that. Obviously we didn’t get the outcome that we wanted, but it’s good for us to keep growing for our next two games and I’m happy with our outcome.”

Now, the focus shifts entirely to South Korea—a familiar regional powerhouse and 2022 Asian Cup finalist. The upcoming clash in Gold Coast looms large, potentially shaping the Filipinas’ path to the knockout stage.

Torcaso expressed confidence in his squad’s preparation.

“We’ve already worked on that as well, also keeping in mind we have to work on this game that we just played,” he said.

“I think we’re ready. I think the girls are ready to confront South Korea and we know that they’re a very strong side too. We just have to take each day as it is and hopefully their recovery is good and they’re ready to go.”

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