Filipinas set sights on World Cup return with new-look squad for AFC Women’s Cup 

The road back to the world stage begins now for the Philippine Women’s National Football Team, as the Filipinas turn their focus toward reclaiming a spot in the FIFA Women’s World Cup through the upcoming AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

With qualification on the line, the Philippine Football Federation has unveiled a carefully balanced 26-player roster built around experience, youth, and continuity. The tournament opens on March 1, where the Filipinas immediately face a major test against host nation Australia women’s national soccer team.

Rather than simply replicating the squad that made history in 2023, the coaching staff has leaned into evolution—retaining core veterans while introducing a wave of emerging talents expected to shape the program’s future.

Key returnees include Hali Long, Chandler McDaniel, Olivia McDaniel, Jaclyn Sawicki, Jessika Cowart, Sofia Wunsch, Sara Eggesvik, Angela Beard, Isabella Pasion, Malea Cesar, Anicka Castañeda, Kaya Hawkinson, Carleigh Frilles, and Katrina Guillou—players who helped engineer the country’s breakthrough World Cup appearance and now carry the responsibility of sustaining that momentum.

Joining them is a fresh generation led by former Philippines U-17 captain Ari Markey alongside Alexa Pino, Leah Bradley, Nina Meollo, Janae DeFazio, Jourdyn Curran, Natalie Oca, Ava Villapando, Alessandrea Carpio, Paige McSwigan, Jael Marie Guy, and Mallie Ramirez. Their inclusion signals a long-term vision as the program continues its rapid development in Asian football.

Preparation for the tournament has been deliberate and intensive. The Filipinas opened camp in Manila with a 32-player pool before moving to Balesin Island for a closed-door training block focused on chemistry, tactical structure, and match conditioning. The final phase of camp wrapped up back in Manila before the team’s departure for Perth.

Head coach Mark Torcaso emphasized readiness and growth as the guiding themes of the buildup.

“We’re really focused on making sure that we leave here ready to compete in the Asian Cup,” said Torcaso.

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LET’S GO, LADIES!

Check out the Filipinas’ final roster for the upcoming 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, happening from March 1 to 21 in Australia!#WAC2026 #LabanFilipinasParaSaBayan #WeGoAgain

Philippine Women’s National Football Team pic.twitter.com/exmeYNjfr8

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The opener against Australia carries added significance after their previous meeting ended in a heavy defeat during Olympic qualifiers—an experience Torcaso believes ultimately strengthened the squad.

“From my personal perspective, there’s a lot of learnings since we played Australia last time. It was only our second or third game in charge after the Asian Games campaign, so it was very overwhelming in that first tournament that we had,” added Torcaso.

“In the two and a half years that we’ve been in the role, not only me but the staff, I think we’ve learned so much about this team, about the country, about the people, that we’re ready to take on anyone and we’ll do our absolute best.”

The challenge will only intensify in the group stage, where the Filipinas are also set to face continental powerhouses South Korea women’s national football team and Iran women’s national football team. Only the top two teams from each group, plus the two best third-place finishers, advance to the knockout rounds—with six direct World Cup slots at stake.

PFF president John Gutierrez expressed confidence that the squad’s blend of maturity and hunger gives the Filipinas a strong chance to repeat their historic achievement.

“The ladies are in their prime, the team is very strong, and they’re prepared,” said Gutierrez. “There’s no reason for us not to do well, but of course, in the Asian Cup, like the SEA Games, there are no easy games and no easy opponents. Everyone will give us a run for our money, and we will give everybody a run for theirs.”

For the Filipinas, the mission is clear: prove that their first World Cup appearance was not a one-time breakthrough—but the beginning of a new era.

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