By MARK REY MONTEJO
The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) is convinced the national team has what it takes to deliver a strong performance when it squares off against the best in the 2025 Futsal Women’s World Cup slated Nov. 21 to Dec. 7.
With a total of 16 teams from the six futsal confederations coming into the country, PFF is not only eyeing a successful staging of the two-week showpiece but also an impactful participation for the Nationals especially playing in front of the home fans.
“We’re not here just to participate, we’re here to make an impact,” said PFF president John Gutierrez during Tuesday’s PSA Forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, Smart/PLDT, and the country’s 24/7 sports app Arena Plus.
Games will be held simultaneously at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig ity and at the Victorias City Coliseum in Negros Occidental.
“We have high-caliber players, magpupursige pa tayo so we can do better, realistically we’re going to be very competitive,” he added.
Before the action begins, the tournament will hold a draw on Sept. 15 which determines the final four groups that will feature four teams. The top two teams from each group will barge into the knockout phase with quarterfinal, semifinal, third-place play-off and final to follow.
The first iteration of the women’s world futsal is expected to be a memorable one for the host as FIFA plans to build a minimum of four facilities where current and aspiring booters could hone their skills.
“More than anything, I think target ng FIFA and PFF eh mag-iwan ng legacy after ng hosting, di sila aalis dito na ‘okay tapos na’, magiiwan sila ng facilities para ma-enjoy at ma-enganyo ‘yong mga bata,” Gutierrez continued.
“Excited ako to show to FIFA our hospitality, it’s our personality, it’s naturally in our DNA, very excited to show the world what we can do,” he added.
The final roster will be disclosed two weeks prior to the official kickoff according to FIFA regulations.
But, Isabella Flanigan, Shai Del Campo, and Dionesa Tolentin, to list a few, are expected to banner the 25-woman pool which is made up of pure futsal players and some members of the women’s national football team.
Leading the pack are UEFA’s Spain, Italy, Poland, and Portugal with OFC’s New Zealand; CONMEBOL’s Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia; CONCACAF’s Canada and Panama; CAF’s Morocco and Tanzania; and AFC’s Iran, Japan, Thailand and the Philippines.
“The legacy program, they never just wanted to host it they wanted to leave a legacy. We will work hand and hand, to get the legacy,” said Isabella Fernando, head of government relations of the Futsal Women’s World Cup local organizing committee.
As part of its preparations, the women’s crew will fly to Japan mid-September to join a training camp as well in Europe in the following weeks. Their participation is also gearing toward the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in December in Thailand.
