GOLD COAST, Queensland — The Philippine women’s national football team has placed itself in contention for a playoff berth in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup following a crucial victory in its final group-stage match.
Coach Mark Torcaso expressed optimism after the Filipinas defeated Iran, 2-0, on Sunday in their last Group A assignment in Robina on Australia’s Gold Coast.
“The girls fought really hard today,” said Torcaso. “After the last couple of days of recovery, they showed great determination and fought really hard for the country tonight. They’ve put us in a position to make the final eight of the tournament.”
The win allowed the Filipinas to finish the group stage with a 1-0-2 win-draw-loss record while handing the Iranian Lionesses their third straight defeat.
Now, the Philippines waits and hopes that its result — along with a favorable tiebreak situation — will be enough to secure one of the tournament’s slots reserved for the best third-placed teams.
“We are praying and hoping that a few goals is enough for us to make it out of the group,” Torcaso added.
The Philippine campaign in the continental tournament is backed by the Philippine Football Federation and the Philippine Sports Commission.
Iran, which was missing two injured players who were rested after earlier losses to South Korea and Australia, bowed out of playoff contention with the defeat.
South Korea and Australia have already secured their spots in the next round from Group A. In Group B, North Korea and China have advanced, while Japan moved on from Group C.
Meanwhile, Chinese Taipei boosted its chances for the remaining playoff berth after edging Vietnam, 1-0, on Saturday.
Vietnam and Uzbekistan are also in the running for the two available third-place qualification spots, with Uzbekistan still set to face Bangladesh on Monday in a match that could determine the final playoff picture.
