Chasing World Cup return: Filipinas dare to run it back

The Filipinas, previously known as the Malditas, qualified for the first time in the FIFA Women's World Cup after reaching the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup semifinals. (Photo: AFC)

The Philippine women’s national football team has been a figure to watch for Filipinos after making a name for itself.

In late January 2022, at the crowdless Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune, India, the then-called “Malditas” shouted deep from their lungs, cried in joy, and embraced each other like there was no tomorrow. They qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time ever. For a country that has yet to achieve such a feat despite playing international football for more than a century across all sexes and levels, it felt like a game-winning goal.

It was totally unexpected, to say the least. But since then, the now-known Filipinas never failed to surprise.

The Filipina booters ended a 37-year medal drought in the Southeast Asian Games by copping a bronze. They then capped 2022 with a title finish in the AFF Women’s Championship, currently known as the ASEAN Women’s Championship. It was the first major international tournament the country has ruled.

Their biggest moment came in 2023, when the Philippines made its maiden appearance in the World Cup. They were ultimately eliminated in the group stages, but with their heads held high. Sarina Bolden, a celebrated name in Philippine football history, gave the Southeast Asian side its first World Cup win at the expense of host New Zealand. As she promised, the Fil-American striker ensured her countrymen would remember them.

ALSO READ: Herstory made: Thanks to Bolden, PH claims first FIFA Women's World Cup win over New Zealand

“A lot of people doubted us [but] we came in here and fought every single game and now have made a name for ourselves,” Bolden said in a postgame interview after the Philippines fell to South Korea in the Asian Cup semifinals in 2022, as quoted by GMA Sports. “Philippines, you’re gonna remember this team. And you’re going to see us in the World Cup. Don’t forget about us because we’re coming back.”

With the World Cup dream already realized, the bar just got higher for the Filipinas. Come the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, they are no longer declaring themselves. They are aiming to make competing in the global showpiece a habit.

To qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Filipinas must first overcome the daunting task host Australia, South Korea, and Iran pose in Group A to reach the quarterfinals. From there, it takes one more win for the Philippines to schedule a trip to Brazil next year, as all semifinalists will punch their tickets.

Apart from a convincing victory against Iran, which is the lowest-ranked side in the group at 68th, the reigning Southeast Asian Games champion must attain favorable results in its first two matches against Australia and South Korea to advance to the knockout rounds.

Unfortunately, the Philippines has a losing record against both teams.

ALSO READ: Filipinas prepared for 'challenging' World Cup road, says Torcaso

The last time the Filipinas and Australia met was forgettable for the former. Before a packed Perth Stadium, the Matildas demolished their visitors, 8-0, in the second round of the 2024 AFC Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament. In 2022, the two also faced each other in the Asian Cup, with the Australians winning 4-0.

Asian Cup debutant Jackie Sawicki asserted that they will seek redemption when Australia hosts them in the same stadium on Sunday, March 1, saying their last encounter was “really tough to swallow.”

“I think the dynamic of this team has really changed within the last year, and I believe the combination of our newer players with the veterans will create a good competitive environment that will push us to compete against the best in this campaign,” said the Calgary Wild midfielder in a report by sports journalist Venice Furio.

The Philippines also hasn’t fared well against South Korea historically, after getting beaten in all six of their past head-to-head matches. In this match, veteran sports writer Ariel Ian Clarito explained that the Filipinas need the “absolute best” from seasoned midfielders Sawicki and Sara Eggesvik, with former Chelsea star Ji So-yun anchoring the Taegeuk Ladies’ attack. She is regarded as one of the best midfielders globally.

ALSO READ: Filipinas suffer first Asiad defeat VS South Korea

“The two, along with Stallion Laguna’s [Bella] Pasion, who plays with a maturity that belies her age, have to hold the fort in the middle and not only give the Filipinas their fair share of possessions but also connect with the offense and put the strikers in positions where they could sneak in some early goals,” Clarito said in his Esquire story.

On paper, the Filipinas are considerable underdogs against Asia’s elites. That fact, though, cannot stop them from chasing history. This year’s Asian Cup is an opportunity to show how far the Philippines has come to become a presence not only on the continent but in the world.

Odds may be against the Filipinas yet again — perhaps even greater than before. But in the ever-competitive football landscape, it is one of the obstacles they must hurdle to become stronger and continue dreaming of bigger goals. For people who have followed them since that early morning of Jan. 30, 2022, pressure has been a privilege for them to fight for the country with their all.