Katrina Guillou, Isabella Flanigan, and Jaclyn Sawicki are set to become the Philippines’ first dual-format FIFA World Cup athletes as they transition from the 2023 Football World Cup to the 2025 Futsal World Cup.
Representing your country in a FIFA World Cup is already a once-in-a-lifetime achievement.
Doing it twice — in two different formats — is almost unprecedented.
Yet Jaclyn Sawicki, Katrina Guillou, and Isabella Flanigan are on the verge of doing exactly that.
After playing for the Philippine women’s national football team in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the trio is now set to suit up again, this time for the Philippine women’s futsal team, in the 2025 FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup in Manila.
From Wellington to Pasig
Sawicki, Guillou, and Flanigan were part of the historic Filipinas squad that reached the World Cup for the first time in 2023, highlighted by the country’s maiden World Cup win against New Zealand.
Their participation placed them among the most accomplished athletes ever to represent the Philippines on the global stage.
Two years later, they are transitioning to an different format.
Futsal demands quicker touches, sharper execution in tight spaces, and rapid decision-making — a significant shift from the 11-a-side game they excelled in.
Why their dual World Cup roles matter
Playing in two FIFA World Cups elevates the skills of the Philippine futsal team.
Sawicki, the Filipinas’ steady midfield anchor in 2023, played every match in the football World Cup. She now joins the futsal squad as one of its most seasoned voices, expected to help guide a still-developing program.
[ALSO READ: Filipinas midfielder Jaclyn Sawicki reveals reason in choosing Philippines over Canada]
Guillou, who contributed as an attacking midfielder/forward in the 2023 campaign, has already seen futsal action after appearing in the 2025 qualifiers. Her attacking instincts translate naturally to futsal’s fast, transition-heavy play.
Flanigan, the youngest of the trio, also featured in the 2023 World Cup and now enters her first futsal World Cup cycle. Her versatility and energy give the team an important link between experience and youth.
[ALSO READ: Filipinas Futsal gains entry into AFC Asian Cup after third-place finish in qualifiers]
Beyond on-court impact, all three add visibility to a sport still building its following in the Philippines.
As hosts of the 2025 Women’s Futsal World Cup, the country needs players who have already been tested on the global stage.
Sawicki, Guillou, and Flanigan have been there before — and now, they will try to make history again, this time in front of a home crowd.
Catch the games starting November 21 live on Pilipinas Live, as well as on One Sports and One Sports+.
—
Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.