Manila: Filipinos have until Sept. 14 to sign up as volunteers for the FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup Philippines 2025, giving them a chance to play a role in the country's first-ever hosting of the global tournament. Applicants aged 18 and above may register through volunteer.fifa.com/invite/FFWWC2025, the Local Organizing Committee announced on Monday. The tournament, scheduled from Nov. 21 to Dec. 7, will feature 16 nations competing in Pasig City and Victorias City, Negros Occidental.
According to Philippines News Agency, the participating teams include Spain, Italy, Poland, and Portugal from Europe; Iran, Japan, Thailand, and host Philippines from Asia; Morocco and Tanzania from Africa; Canada and Panama from North America; Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia from South America; and New Zealand from Oceania. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stages, which will encompass the quarterfinals, semifinals, third-place playoff, and championship match. Key teams to watch are Spain, Italy, Brazil, Thailand, and Canada.
Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president John Gutierrez stated that the national women's futsal team, under coach Rafa Merino, is gearing up with a training camp in Japan. The squad currently consists of 20 players, led by skippers Inday Tolentino and Isabella Flanigan, but will be reduced to 14 for the tournament. The official draw is set for Sept. 15, while preparations received significant support after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed Administrative Order No. 35, establishing an inter-agency task force to back the country's hosting efforts.
This event marks the first-ever FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup, representing a historic milestone for both the Philippines and women's sports globally.
