Twenty-three individuals have been given the golden opportunity to represent the Philippines in its debut on the global stage at the upcoming 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
The Filipinas will be led by co-captains Tahnai Annis and Hali Long. Meanwhile, coach Alen Stajcic will direct the action from the sidelines in his second FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“Over the last 18 months, we’ve given a lot of players their opportunity and grown the depth of this squad to a substantial level,” said Stajcic.
“In a positive way, we’ve got such a pool of players that made the final 23 (selection) even more difficult than I thought it would be.”
Defender Angie Beard will also make her debut in the Philippine colors after switching allegiances from Australia.
The goalkeepers who made the final cut are Olivia McDaniel, Kiara Fontanilla, and Kaiya Jota. They will be supported by a defensive line consisting of Alicia Barker, Reina Bonta, Jessika Cowart, Malea Cesar, Sofia Harrison, and Dominique Randle.
The midfield will be composed of Ryley Bugay, Anicka Castañeda, Sara Eggesvik, Quinley Quezada, and Jaclyn Sawicki. Sarina Bolden will lead the attack alongside players like Isabella Flanigan, Carleigh Frilles, Katrina Guillou, Chandler McDaniel, and Meryll Serrano.
“It was such an extremely tough choice, but these players were ultimately the ones who put their hands up and impressed the most in recent times and based on current form,” said Stajcic.
“They are the ones that my coaching staff and myself think will represent the Filipinas the best and gives us the best possible chance to perform at our peak in the World Cup.”
Veteran goalkeeper Inna Palacios, as well as Isabella Pasion and Maya Alcantara, have been named as the team’s reserves.
“The next weeks will be the culmination of a year and a half of hard work, dedication and sacrifice by every member of our team,” said team manager Jefferson Cheng.
“This group of 23 represents the best of us, the best of the indomitable Filipino spirit, and I am excited to see them make all of us even prouder.”
The Filipinas enter the tournament ranked 46th in the world, their highest-ever ranking in history. They are also coming into the competition as semi-finalists in the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup and champions of the 2022 AFF Women’s Championship on home soil.
The Philippines will kick off their campaign against Switzerland on July 21 at 5:00 p.m. Manila time. They will then face the host nation, New Zealand, on July 25 at 5:30 p.m. Manila time, and conclude their Group A assignments against Norway on July 30 at 7:00 p.m. Manila time.
If the Filipinas finish in the top two of Group A, their next match will be on August 5 against a team from Group C.
