Jackie Sawicki embraces first AFC Women’s Asian Cup as Filipinas chase another World Cup bid

A new tournament cycle often signals change—but for the Philippine women’s national football team, it also brings renewed belief.

Fresh from one of the most successful stretches in program history, the Filipinas now turn their focus toward the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, where another opportunity to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup awaits.

This campaign carries a different tone compared to previous runs. Instead of entering as underdogs searching for a breakthrough, the Filipinas arrive with momentum, confidence, and a roster blending experienced leaders with emerging talent.

Head coach Mark Torcaso has assembled a lineup that reflects both continuity and transition—an approach that has energized first-time Asian Cup participant Jackie Sawicki.

“It’s kind of crazy that we’re ending this four-year cycle again and we’re getting another opportunity for a World Cup so it’s super exciting,” Sawicki told media at the sidelines of the Filipinas homecoming at Mall of Asia Sky last Friday, February 20.

“We’ve got a lot of young energy in this squad and, we’re gonna use the gold medal as momentum heading into it.”

That gold medal—won at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games—helped reinforce the team’s evolving identity, proving the Filipinas can balance development with results.

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Congratulations to Wild FC’s very own Jackie Sawicki for making history with The Philippines, clinching their first-ever SEA Games gold!

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Since their historic rise in recent years, the Filipinas have gradually expanded their tactical depth and squad rotation, allowing new players to gain experience while veterans maintain the team’s competitive backbone.

Sawicki emphasized how each tournament has become part of a longer development process.

“Yeah, I think the previous [one], I wasn’t in the last Asian Cup, so I can’t speak to their tournament, specifically, but given all the other campaigns we’ve done in between, every time, we’re working on something new and working on something from the last time,” Sawicki said.

“So I think we’re just gonna continue improving.”

The current 26-player roster reflects that evolution. Returning leaders include team captain Hali Long alongside experienced internationals Angie Beard, Olivia McDaniel, Sara Eggesvik, and Katrina Guillou.

Meanwhile, rising names such as Mallie Ramirez, Alexa Pino, and Jael Marie Guy—standouts from the SEA Games campaign—add youthful pace and attacking versatility.

The Filipinas face a demanding group stage, taking on host nation Australia women’s national soccer team, regional powerhouse South Korea women’s national football team, and Iran women’s national football team.

Their opening match comes against the Australians at Perth Stadium on March 1—a test that will immediately measure how far the squad has progressed since its last continental campaign.

The odds may be steep, but the Filipinas are no longer chasing history blindly. They are building it—step by step, tournament by tournament—with another World Cup dream now firmly within reach.

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