By MARK REY MONTEJO
The Philippine women’s futsal team launches its quest for global glory when it battles Poland in the opener of the 2025 FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup which kicks off at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City Friday, Nov. 21.
Determined to make a statement in front of home fans, the Filipina5 are expected to pull all the stops in their 8:30 p.m. clash in hopes of making their debut in a tournament of this magnitude meaningful and memorable.
While the PH team is ranked only at No. 63, Poland – one of 15 foreign teams – is No. 14.
Also worth watching is the 6 p.m. duel between world No. 6 Argentina and 31st-ranked Morocco followed by the opening ceremony at 8 p.m. to be graced by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and other dignitaries.
Bella Flanigan, member of the women’s national football team, headlines the pack alongside Jaclyn Sawicki, Katrina Guillou, and 11 other elite booters as they try to make a history of their own.
Flanigan, Sawicki and Guillou are also mainstays of the Filipinas team that scored a historic 1-0 victory over host New Zealand in the FIFA WWC in Wellington.
“I know our home crowd will bring the energy and fight with us until the very end. Poland is a very strong team and, as always, it is an honor to be able to share the court with such amazing female athletes,” said Flanigan.
“Our mentality of puso, tiwala, and samasama will be what’s leading us into the match. We are excited for the challenge and are excited to show what we can do on the world stage,” she added.
Next for the Philippines is Morocco on Monday, Nov. 24, then it tangles with Argentina on Thursday, Nov. 27, with both games held at the same venue.
“One thing for sure, we belong here, we’re up to the challenge, we’re not just here to join but to compete,” said Philippine Football Federation president John Gutierrez.
“I have a strong feeling that we will win because on home court the Filipino heart beats faster. That is the magic of sports tourism,” said Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio.
“We thank FIFA for this historic partnership and the Department of Tourism for believing in sports as a window for the world to see the Philippines.”
