“The FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup 2025 is more than a tournament. It is a platform to empower women in sport, to inspire the next generation of athletes, and to showcase the Philippines as a world-class host of international sporting events, attracting sports tourism for thousands of spectators to the country. Let us be reminded that the success of this endeavor relies heavily on inter-agency coordination, shared responsibility, and a collective vision.” – PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez
The Philippine Sport Commission (PSC), with the Philippine Football Federation (PFF), on August 14 convened a pivotal meeting with the Philippine government’s Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), established under Administrative Order No. 35, to advance preparations for the Philippines’ hosting of the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup in 2025.
This landmark tournament marks the first time the Philippines will host a FIFA World Cup competition, positioning the nation as a rising hub for global sports and tourism, according to PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio and PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders from PSC, Department of Tourism, and other government agencies to ensure seamless coordination for the tournament.
Gutierrez emphasized the historic significance of the IATF, stating, “Today marks a historic milestone, not just for Philippine football, but for the entire sporting community and for our nation. For the first time ever, the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup will be held, and we, the Philippines, have been entrusted with the incredible honor of hosting this historic global event.”
Gutierrez highlighted the magnitude of the Futsal Women’s World Cup, noting, “The FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup is one of only four major quadrennial competitions organized by FIFA, standing alongside the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cups and the FIFA Men’s Futsal World Cup.”
Gregorio underscored the event’s potential for sports tourism and national development.
“This is a very important meeting because this is the first time we will hold this world event in the Philippines, and it is football,” Gregorio said. He contrasted it with past basketball hosting successes, adding, “Basketball, we’ve seen that since the 1970s… we’ve hosted the World Basketball twice. Recently we hosted the FIBA Asia. Next year we will host the FIBA Asia Women’s Championship. But football? Lagi nating sinasabi na ito ang sport na pwedeng gumaling ang Pilipino.”
Gregorio elaborated on sports tourism benefits: “Sports tourism is we organize sports events, host sports events in the country, and it is beneficial to tourism because the biggest tourism events in the world are sports events… You host a sports event, they’ll stay here for 10 days… That is why sports tourism is the best. If you ask me, it is the fastest way to promote the Philippines, and it is through sports.”
He expressed optimism for futsal’s growth: “Futsal, I think, here we will really do well. We will really do well. And if we can do this well, and if we can support this sport, when we host it, it will be very good for Philippine sports.”
Gutierrez provided insights into futsal: “Futsal is a dynamic, fast-paced variant of football, played on a hard court… usually played indoors with five players per side, it places emphasis on close control, quick decision-making, and refined technique. Importantly, futsal is not just a sport. It’s a powerful tool for community building, youth development, and gender inclusion.”
The tournament is expected to empower women in sports, boost infrastructure, and attract thousands of international visitors. “It is our hope to bring futsal and empowerment of players that come with it to every school and every barangay,” Gutierrez concluded.
IATF will focus on logistics, venue preparations, and promotional campaigns to ensure a world-class event. The PFF thus extended its gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his support and to all government partners for their commitment.
