Let the Filipinas dream — and fight

The Filipinas are going to face world no.8 Japan in its first shot to book a ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup by reaching the semifinals of the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup. (Photo: AFC)

The road to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup moved one step closer for the Philippine women’s national football team after reaching the knockout rounds of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

The Filipinas' dream trip to Brazil, however, runs into an enormous roadblock as powerhouse Japan awaits them in the quarterfinals.

With a World Cup ticket at stake, losing to the Nadeshiko will not be the end of the Filipina booters' journey. Instead, it could lead them to an arguably easier path to the global showpiece.

A defeat at the hands of Japan will relegate the Filipinas to the play-in round, where they would likely face Uzbekistan — deemed an underdog in its quarterfinal match against South Korea.

As the Filipino saying goes, “walang mawawala kung susubukan.” At the end of the day, Filipino fans and the entire nation do not want them to walk away with regrets.

Last year, the Philippines and Uzbekistan settled for a 2-2 draw in a friendly. With the possibility of meeting such an evenly matched opponent, saving their best for that match might seem like the most practical option. Still, it deserves a second thought.

There is no better learning opportunity for a developing team like the Philippines than taking on a side of Japan’s caliber. The reigning Southeast Asian Games champion already showed it could compete against some of the world’s best by pushing Australia and South Korea despite defeats during the group stage. Facing the Japanese side is no different.

Of course, expectations should be tempered. The Nadeshiko is among the title favorites with a lineup mostly bolstered by campaigners in the English Women’s Super League (WSL). The WSL is widely regarded as one of the strongest women’s leagues in the world. This alone underscores the daunting task of turning an improbable upset into reality.

But despite the long odds, head coach Mark Torcaso and his staff must let the ladies fight, show courage, persevere, and defy expectations — something that is nothing new to the Filipinas. As the Filipino saying goes, “walang mawawala kung susubukan.” At the end of the day, Filipino fans and the entire nation do not want them to walk away with regrets.

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This Asian Cup is not just about another World Cup qualification. For the Filipinas, it is also about testing their mettle against the continent’s giants, some of whom belong among the world’s elite. Making the most of such an experience will only make them stronger and hungrier.

On Sunday, March 15, at Stadium Australia in Sydney, Australia, fans can only hope the dreamers will once again dare to chase her-story.