THE World Cup journey is far from over for the Philippines women’s national football team.
Despite suffering a heavy setback in the quarterfinals of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, the Filipinas remain in contention for a berth in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“While the scoreline isn’t what we wanted, we will focus on the next game because we still have a chance to reach the World Cup,” said Filipinas coach Mark Torcaso.
Torcaso made the remarks after the Filipinas absorbed a 7–0 defeat at the hands of the Japan in their quarterfinal clash on Sunday at Accor Stadium.
The Philippines will now face the Uzbekistan women’s national football team in the play-in round on Thursday at Cbus Super Stadium, where another World Cup slot is at stake.
Japan, meanwhile, advanced to the semifinals and will face the South Korea women’s national football team in Sydney on March 18 after the Koreans routed Uzbekistan, 6–0.
The other semifinal pits the Australia women’s national football team against China on March 17.
Japan coach Nils Nielsen expressed confidence in his squad’s defensive strength.
“It doesn’t concern me that our defense hasn’t been tested much. These players have had to work very hard to earn a place in this team and we are capable,” Nielsen said.
For Torcaso, the match still revealed bright spots for the Filipinas, particularly the performances of rookie goalkeeper Nina Meollo and young defender Jourdyn Curran.
Meollo, a 21-year-old Fil-British player from Ipswich, produced 10 saves in the first half to keep the Filipinas in the match early, while Curran, a midfielder from Seattle University, impressed on the defensive end. Peter Atencio
“We gave first starts to two players who were outstanding, including Meollo in goal and Jourdyn Curran, who were both excellent. We also had three youngsters who were great,” Torcaso added.
Should the Filipinas fall short in Thursday’s play-in match, their final route to the World Cup will be through the inter-confederation playoffs.
