Fresh from a second consecutive quarterfinal finish at the Asian Games, the Philippine Women’s National Football Team have reconvened in Manila for the next stage of their preparations for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The current camp gathers the squad ahead of a pair of international friendlies against Peru in Chincha, scheduled for October 9 and 13, 2026, during the FIFA window.
PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez said the Federation is committed to giving the national team the necessary training it needs to succeed on the world stage.
“The Filipinas have shown that they belong among Asia’s best, reaching the quarterfinals of the Asian Games in back-to-back editions. Now our goal is to make sure they are as prepared as possible for the biggest stage in the sport,” Gutierrez said.
“These matches in Peru are a crucial step. Exposure to South American football, against a disciplined and technical opponent, is exactly the kind of experience that will serve this team well as we march toward Brazil. PFF will continue to invest in this program and support our players every step of the way.”
Head coach Mark Torcaso said the group is glad to be back on home soil after players returned to their clubs and colleges following the Asian Games.
“It’s great to be back here with the fans and our families,” Torcaso said. “We gather again for our preparation for the FIFA window in Peru.”
The matches in Chincha will give the Filipinas valuable insight to Latin American football, a setting that Torcaso believes will help the team as it looks ahead to Brazil.
“The upcoming camp in Peru is a great opportunity to play in South America. We are grateful for the chance to get a little taste of what Brazil could be like,” he said.
The squad has undergone changes since the Asian Games. Several players return to the fold, while new faces have been called up. Angie Beard, Sara Eggesvik, and Meryll Serrano will miss the Peru camp as they continue to work toward full fitness while Sofia Wunsch is injured.
Torcaso noted that the window, like the Asian Games, is a chance to evaluate emerging players who could push for a place on the World Cup roster.
“We have a few new, exciting players to hopefully push for a spot on the World Cup roster. Kellie Pagador is a fresh face that will excite, and we are looking forward to seeing a few others,” Torcaso said.
Peru is expected to provide a demanding test. Torcaso described the Peruvians as skillful and technical, but also disciplined and well organized, qualities he wants the Filipinas to be tested against.
“We want to continue to challenge ourselves against well-organized and well-structured teams. We are working on specific things and want to continue to get better at these this coming window,” he said.
Beyond Peru, the team aims to travel to “another continent to face an opponent we know well, as we continue to develop our style of play,” Torcaso hinted.
Torcaso also extended his thanks to those behind the team, including families, friends, sponsors, and PFF.
“We are so thankful to all our friends and families back home and all around the world, all our sponsors, and most importantly the PFF and the support from the Federation,” he said. “Your encouragement and cheering helped our team achieve another quarterfinal at the Asian Games, and we hope that this continues as we march towards the World Cup next year in Brazil.”
