The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) has officially announced the 26-player roster for the Philippine women’s national football team, affectionately known as the Filipinas, set to compete in the upcoming AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 Qualifiers in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Head Coach Mark Torcaso leads the squad as they aim to secure a coveted spot in the prestigious continental tournament.
The team features a mix of seasoned veterans and promising young talent. Captain Hali Long, fresh off her 90th international appearance against Chinese Taipei, spearheads the squad. She is joined by key figures such as Sara Eggesvik, Jaclyn Sawicki, Olivia McDaniel, Angela Beard, Jessika Cowart, Chandler McDaniel, Malea Cesar, Isabella Pasion, Janae Defazio, and Kaya Hawkinson.
Marking their return to the national team after a brief absence are Quinley Quezada, Sofia Wunsch, Meryll Serrano, and Carleigh Frilles. The roster also highlights the progression of youth standouts, including Nina Mathelus, Gabrielle Baker, Alexa Pino, Ava Villapando, and Chayse Ying. Completing the squad are Nina Meollo, Rhea Arcenal Chan, Katana Norman, along with experienced locally-based players Inna Palacios, Dionesa Tolentin, and Charisa Lemoran.
Coach Torcaso expressed his confidence in the assembled squad, emphasizing the balance and quality it will bring. “We are confident in every player in our pool and we are excited by the 26 that will battle it out for us to get to the Asian Cup,” he stated.
He continued, “I believe it’s well-balanced and provides quality in every area of the pitch. It’s also great to see some of our strong young players that have progressed and developed over the years join some of our World Cup superstars.”
While acknowledging the absence of some core players due to injury or unavailability, including Sarina Bolden, Katrina Guillou, and Reina Bonta, Torcaso remains optimistic about the team’s prospects. “We are looking forward to Cambodia and we can’t wait to get out there and perform for all our fans at home and abroad,” he added.
The Filipinas, currently ranked 41st in the world, are placed in Group G alongside Hong Kong (80), hosts Cambodia (118), and Saudi Arabia (165). All matches will be held at the National Sports Complex of Cambodia in Phnom Penh.
The Philippines’ schedule for the qualifiers is as follows:
•June 29, Sunday: vs. Saudi Arabia
•July 2, Wednesday: vs. Cambodia
•July 5, Saturday: vs. Hong Kong
Only the top team from each of the eight qualifying groups will advance to the final tournament, hosted by Australia in 2026. They will join the following teams that have already qualified: hosts Australia, China, Korea Republic, and Japan.
