Alesandrea Carpio says Filipinas’ next World Cup push starts with chemistry

The Filipinas are riding high after securing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, but for Alesandrea Carpio, the bigger challenge is just beginning. The team’s focus is shifting from celebration to preparation, ensuring that when they take the pitch in Brazil, they arrive as a united, battle-ready squad.

For Carpio, building chemistry is the first step toward that goal. “Play together,” said the 24-year-old during Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum. “That’s why we are just waiting for the opportunity to come together.”

Her words highlight a reality often overlooked in international football: national teams must create cohesion in limited windows of time. Unlike club teams, which train daily, the Filipinas must maximize short camps to develop rhythm and understanding across players scattered across leagues and countries.

Carpio, who joined the national team in 2024, is set to make her World Cup debut this June. While the excitement is palpable, her mindset is focused less on personal milestones and more on strengthening the team as a whole. It is this approach that has become a hallmark of the squad’s growth since its historic 2023 World Cup appearance.

The team’s path to Brazil was far from easy. In the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, the Filipinas faced a gauntlet of tough opponents, including host Australia, as well as South Korea, Japan, Iran, and Uzbekistan. Early setbacks against Australia, South Korea, and Japan tested the squad’s resolve, but they persevered with a key win over Iran before securing a 2-0 victory against Uzbekistan to punch their ticket to the World Cup.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

WORK DOESN’T STOP FOR FILIPINAS!

Filipinas forward Alesandrea Carpio emphasized the importance of building chemistry as the national women’s football team begins its preparations for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. pic.twitter.com/jX5UbwMmMT

— Fastbreak (@fastbreaknewsph) March 25, 2026

Reflecting on the achievement, Carpio shared her pride: “It’s such a surreal feeling for the Philippines to qualify for another World Cup. I’m very, very proud of all the work the team put in.” That pride is coupled with an understanding that the real work begins now.

Looking ahead, the Filipinas are planning a series of international friendlies, including possible home matches, to prepare for both the World Cup and the Nagoya Asian Games in October. These games will not only test the team’s skill but also serve as opportunities to build cohesion and sharpen their style of play.

Carpio emphasized the importance of maintaining readiness even outside of training camps. “Coach said ‘work doesn’t stop,’” she said. “Until the time comes when we can come together whenever that is.” Her words underscore the need for players to stay disciplined, fit, and mentally sharp in preparation for the challenges ahead.

After a historic debut in 2023, where the Filipinas secured their first-ever World Cup win against co-host New Zealand, the team now faces a higher bar. Continuity, identity, and teamwork have become central goals, with the aim of arriving in Brazil not just as participants, but as a competitive and cohesive squad capable of making a meaningful impact.

For Carpio, the journey is about more than results. It is about building a team that can thrive under pressure, adapt to challenges, and show the world what Philippine football has accomplished. And that journey begins long before the World Cup whistle blows, with the quiet work of forging unity and chemistry off the pitch.

Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

  Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!