The Philippine Women’s National Football Team has discovered whom it shall face in the group stage of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
In a draw held at Auckland this afternoon, coach Alen Stajcic’s wards were put in Group A alongside the likes of New Zealand, Norway, and Switzerland.
The Filipinas previously faced the host nation New Zealand last September in a 2-1 loss in California.
Sarina Bolden drew first blood in that match, only for Meikayla Moore and Ali Riley to score a goal each in the second half to help the Ferns seal the win.
When it comes to the European opponents, Norway and Switzerland are ranked 12th and 21st in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings.
The Filipinas will open their campaign against Switzerland on July 21 in Dunedin then will go up against New Zealand in Wellington on July 26. They will then close their group stage run against Norway in Auckland on July 30.
Currently ranked 53rd in the world, the Filipinas booked the country’s maiden World Cup ticket by finishing in the semi-finals of the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
In between that milestone and today’s draw, the Philippines earned a bronze medal in the 31st Southeast Asian Games last May and then won the 2022 AFF Women’s Championship on home soil with an emphatic win over Thailand last July.
