GOLD COAST, Queensland — The Philippine women’s national football team will try to keep its playoff hopes alive in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 as it aims to finish among the two best third-placed teams in the group stage.
The Filipinas could receive a major boost with the expected return of veteran midfielder Jacklyn Sawicki when they face the embattled Iran women’s national football team in their final Group A match on Sunday.
Sawicki, a 33-year-old Fil-Canadian with 39 international caps, missed the Philippines’ 0-3 defeat to South Korea women’s national football team on Thursday at Cbus Super Stadium after suffering a bruised knee during training.
Her return is expected to strengthen the Filipinas’ midfield and defensive structure as they attempt to rebound from consecutive losses.
“Jackie is an experienced player and very important to our group. It was more of a precaution,” said national team coach Mark Torcaso regarding the decision not to field Sawicki earlier.
Torcaso instead gave Isabella Pasion the nod in midfield during the match against Korea, while Fil-American defender Jourdyn Curran made her second appearance after debuting in the Filipinas’ opening match against the Australia women’s national soccer team.
Despite the setbacks, Torcaso stressed that the squad remains focused on its final group assignment.
“Yes, I’m disappointed we didn’t get the result we wanted, but we cannot focus on that now. We have to focus on the next game and what we need to do against Iran,” he said.
The top two teams from each of the three groups advance to the playoffs, with two additional spots reserved for the best third-placed finishers. South Korea currently shares the Group A lead with host Australia after both teams posted two wins.
Australia secured its quarterfinal berth earlier with a dominant 4-0 victory over Iran.
Elsewhere in the tournament, North Korea women’s national football team has already clinched a playoff spot in Group B after a 5-0 rout of Bangladesh women’s national football team in Sydney, while Japan women’s national football team and Vietnam women’s national football team continue their battle for advancement in Group C in Perth.
The Philippines is currently vying with India women’s national football team and Uzbekistan women’s national football team for a potential best third-place finish. India recently fell to Vietnam, 1-2, while Uzbekistan suffered a 0-3 loss to North Korea but still has matches remaining.
Torcaso said the team remains determined to push through and continue its growth on the international stage.
“We want to be competitive and try to get out of the group to reach another World Cup. We know it’s going to be hard, but we’re determined to bring this team and this country back onto the international stage,” he said.
The tournament has also drawn attention to the Iran women’s national football team, with protests held outside the stadium in support of the players amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Australia and South Korea will meet on Sunday to determine the Group A winner.
