By: Icko de Guzman
For the next two weeks, the Filipinas have one mission: book their return to the FIFA Women’s World Cup by finishing among the top six teams in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
The Philippine Football Federation has announced the final 26-player roster of the Philippine Women’s National Football Team for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, which kicks off on March 1, with an opening match against tournament hosts Australia.
Among those called up are veterans 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 — key holdovers from the squad that engineered the country’s historic maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance in 2023.
They are joined by a new generation of talent 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.
The 33rd Southeast Asian Games gold medalists have been in full preparation mode since early February, beginning with a 32-player training camp in Manila from February 1 to 5. The squad then relocated to Balesin Island from February 6 to 15 for an intensive buildup before returning to Manila for the final phase of camp from February 17 to 22. They are set to fly to Perth early next week to complete their preparations ahead of the opener.
Head coach Mark Torcaso is leaving no stone unturned as the Philippines aim to secure back-to-back World Cup berths through the Asian Cup.
“We’re really focused on making sure that we leave here ready to compete in the Asian Cup,” said Torcaso.
With hosts Australia awaiting in the first match, Torcaso is hopeful the team can apply lessons from their previous encounter with the Matildas. The two sides last met in October 2023 during the 2024 AFC Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament, where Australia claimed an 8-0 victory.
“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.”
Aside from Australia, the Philippines is grouped with 2022 runners-up South Korea and Iran. The top two teams in each group, along with the two best third-placed sides, will advance to the knockout stages.
A total of six teams will book direct spots to the World Cup, while two more will advance to the inter-confederation playoffs.
PFF president John Gutierrez expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness as they look to replicate their magical 2022 run.
“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.”
