The Filipinas’ pursuit of a second consecutive FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance runs through Australia and 2022 runners-up South Korea in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asia Cup.
The Philippine Women’s National Football Team (PWNFT) faces a daunting challenge in the AFC Women’s Asia Cup as part of their bid to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Continental powerhouses Australia and South Korea headline Group A alongside the Filipinas and Iran.
The Philippines swept the qualifiers unbeaten, securing impressive victories over Saudi Arabia, Cambodia, and Hong Kong to top Group G.
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In 2022, the Filipinas finished second in their group behind Australia and made history by earning their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance with a dramatic penalty shootout win over Chinese Taipei. Their remarkable journey ended in the semifinals with a 2-nil loss to South Korea.
[ALSO READ: LOOKBACK: How the Filipinas made history with first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup berth]
Ranked no. 15 in the world, Australia — who won the continental tournament in 2010 — enters the tournament as the second-highest seed, just behind world no. 7 Japan, who are in Group B with Vietnam, India, and Chinese Taipei.
The Filipinas will face the Matildas in their opening match on March 1 at Perth Stadium.
Meanwhile, South Korea achieved their best finish in the tournament after a 3-2 loss to defending champion China in the final.
Iran will make their second consecutive appearance in the AFC Women’s Asia Cup after their debut three years ago in India.
Group B also features nine-time champion China, world no. 9 North Korea, Uzbekistan, and Bangladesh.
Under the tournament format, the top two squads from each of the three groups will advance to the quarterfinals, along with the two best third-placed teams.
The four semifinalists will secure direct spots in the World Cup, while the quarterfinal losers will enter the play-in round to compete for the remaining two spots.