“The Philippine Football Federation proudly announces that the under-17 Philippine women’s national football team will be back in action,” said PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez. “Narrowly missing the 2024 U17 Asian Cup semis last year, the young Filipinas are hungry for redemption in the 2026 edition.”
The Philippine under-17 women’s national football team, affectionately known as the Young Filipinas, is preparing for their qualifying campaign for the 2026 AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup. The team will travel to Tajikistan this October, fueled by a desire for redemption after a heartbreaking 2024 run.
The qualifiers, which will take place from October 9 to 17, 2025, see the Philippines placed in Group A alongside host nation Tajikistan, Malaysia, and tournament debutantes Syria. As the only team in the group to have participated in the 2024 Asian Cup finals, the Philippines will be a top contender.
Gutierrez emphasized the federation’s commitment to the team’s success. “The Philippine Football Federation is committed to sending a strong youth team for the qualification tournament,” he said. “The girls’ team has proven that it can compete with Asia’s elite, and with the influx of new and young talents that are being developed by our women’s program, PFF is aiming for a winning campaign for our girls.”
The importance of the youth program is clear, with several players from the 2024 squad having already progressed to the senior national team. Notable alumni include Alexa Pino and Nina Mathelus, who are now regular members of the senior Filipinas squad, and Samantha Hughes, the main goalkeeper for the women’s futsal national team.
The 2024 squad’s journey ended in a controversial 1-1 draw against a formidable South Korean team, which ultimately cost them a spot in the semifinals. That experience has only strengthened the resolve of the new generation of players.
“It is imperative for PFF to strengthen the youth programs of the women’s side as a lot of the previous U17 players have progressed to being leading players of the women’s national team,” Gutierrez concluded. “We are very happy to see them again in action and we hope all Filipino football fans will support their Asian Cup journey.”
