Manila: The Philippines hopes to make an impact as host as well as on the field in the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup. A total of 16 countries will see action from Nov. 21 to Dec. 7 in Pasig City and Victorias City, Negros Occidental.
According to Philippines News Agency, the participating countries are Spain, Italy, Poland, Portugal from Europe; Iran, Japan, Thailand, Philippines from Asia; Morocco, Tanzania from Africa; Canada, Panama from North America; Argentina, Brazil, Colombia from South America; and New Zealand from Oceania. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout phase, comprising the quarterfinals, semifinals, a third-place playoff, and finals.
Philippine Football Federation president John Gutierrez identified Spain, Italy, Brazil, Thailand, and Canada as the toughest teams to beat during the weekly Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila. Gutierrez emphasized the competitiveness of the Philippines team, stating, "And if we look at ourselves as mediocre to these powerhouses, then what's the point of us participating? Realistically, we will be very competitive."
The Philippines team, coached by Rafa Merino, currently has a 20-women pool led by skippers Inday Tolentino and Isabella Flanigan, which will be trimmed to 16, before finalizing 14 players. Gutierrez confirmed that the hosting preparations are progressing as planned, with regular meetings to ensure the venues meet FIFA standards.
Gutierrez also expressed confidence in the local organizing committee's ability to work with FIFA to host the event successfully. The national team is set to attend a training camp in Japan by mid-September. He highlighted the significance of hosting the World Cup, saying, "It's really a milestone for women's sports that finally the World Cup for women's futsal is here. So we're very excited and thankful to FIFA for trusting us in hosting this event."
Isabella Fernando, head of government relations of the FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup LOC, attended the weekly session presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, and Philippine Olympic Committee, announcing that the official draw ceremony will be held on Sept. 15. The tournament received a significant boost through Administrative Order No. 35 signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for the creation of an Inter-Agency Task Force for the hosting.
