The Philippine women’s national football team is fast gaining recognition as a formidable contender in Southeast Asian football.
Head coach Mark Torcaso acknowledged the growing respect for the Filipinas as they gear up for their ASEAN-MSIC Serenity Cup 2025 title defense next week in Vietnam.
“It’s exciting as we prepare for the Asian Cup to compete against countries we’ll face in the group stage,” Torcaso said during the team’s send-off event on Saturday at Studio 300 in Makati City. “Their coaches, particularly the Chinese coaches, are saying that we are a dangerous team.”
The Filipinas will open their campaign against Timor-Leste on August 7 at the Viet Tri Stadium, determined to kick off their title defense on a high note.
Torcaso, however, stressed that the team remains focused on its own development rather than being preoccupied with its opponents.
“I’m not worried about the other teams,” he said. “We’re just concerned about ourselves and making sure our preparations are on point.”
The Philippines is bracketed in Group B alongside Australia, Timor-Leste, and Myanmar. Their highly anticipated clash with Australia on August 10 is seen as a possible preview of their opening match in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
Three years ago, the Filipinas stunned the Australian under-23 side, eking out a 1-0 victory during the group stage. After facing the Matildas, the Philippines will wrap up the group phase against Myanmar on August 13.
