The Filipina5 open their historic 2025 FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup campaign at home as they face world No. 14 Poland.
The Filipina5 will lean on experience, leadership, and the energy of a home crowd as they open their historic campaign in the inaugural FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup against Poland on Friday, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Playing on home soil for the first edition of a global women’s futsal event, the Philippines hopes to ride the momentum of months of preparation into a strong debut on the world stage.
But the challenge ahead is formidable as Poland enters as the world’s No. 14-ranked side and a projected contender for a quarterfinal berth.
For the Filipina5, the task will demand grit, discipline, and the poise of veterans who have already made history once.
Among them is Jaclyn Sawicki, one of three players who were part of the Philippines’ maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance in New Zealand two years ago.
[ALSO READ: Filipina5’s Guillou, Flanigan, Sawicki make history as dual FIFA World Cup athletes]
Now, Sawicki’s experience and leadership will be vital as the squad shifts to the fast, technical, and high-tempo environment of futsal.
The Filipina5 aim not just to compete, but to advance past Group A — a bracket that also features Argentina and Morocco, who open the day’s action at 6 p.m.
Coach Rafa Merino, along with Flanigan, Sawicki, and Guillou, leads an exciting cast that features Inday Tolentin, Charisa Lemoran, Catherine Graversen, Judy Connolly, Alisha Del Campo, Samantha Hughes, Regine Rebosura, Rocelle Mendano, Isabella Bandoja, Lanie Ortillo, and Kayla Santiago.
Now, with the home crowd behind them and the world watching, the Filipina5 look to prove that Filipino talent belongs on futsal’s biggest stage, starting with a statement performance against Poland.
The match will begin at 8:30 p.m.
Games will be live on the Pilipinas live app. It will also be shown on One Sports.
[ALSO READ: SCHEDULE | Filipina5 competes for Philippines in first-ever FIFA Women's Futsal World Cup]
(With reports from Kiko Demigillo/One Sports)
—
[Editor’s note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]