MANILA — The Philippine women’s national futsal team is set for history as the country’s hosting of the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup 2025 officially begins on Friday.
The Filipina5 open their campaign against Poland at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig at 8:30 p.m., and Philippine Football Federation (PFF) President John Gutierrez stressed that the Nationals are out to prove they belong on the world stage.
“We’re up to the challenge. We’re not going out there just to compete, we’re going to win,” said Gutierrez during Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum in Manila.
“How hard? It’s gonna be very hard. Butas ng karayom. Because this is the World Cup, all teams are tough. But every game is a chance for us to win, hindi lang para sumabay,” he added.
Samantha Hughes, Kayla Santiago, Catherine Graversen, Judy Connolly, Jaclyn Sawicki, Charisa Lemoran, Rocelle Medano, Dionesa Tolentin, Alisha Del Campo, Isabella Flanigan, Lanie Ortillo, Regine Rebosora, Katrina Guillou, and Isabella Bandoja will be bannering the Philippines in the World Cup.
Gutierrez shared the team is ready for the daunting task ahead, thanks in large part to their pre-tournament training camp.
“They just came from a camp in Spain. We had four friendlies, and the experience they got will help them get ready,” he said. “We played second and third division teams, and we played the Spanish National Team, so I know it was a very successful camp.”
And just as prepared is the country, which will host 15 visiting squads, including the Philippines’ Group A counterparts Poland, Morocco, and Argentina.
“Venues, training halls, and match halls are right on schedule. PhilSports is about 95% ready, and in the next few days, it will be complete,” said Gutierrez. “So really, world-class ang pinapakita natin.”
The opening ceremonies will precede the Filipina5’s debut match, and Gutierrez shared that the festivities will be “grand,” with FIFA President Gianni Infantino expected to attend, along with Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. along with other dignitaries.
“It is up to FIFA standards,” said Gutierrez. “We also expect a number of our senators and congressmen not just to support us, but also for the love of the sport.”
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