Filipinas regroup for Peru friendlies, World Cup buildup

The Philippine women’s national football team has regrouped in Manila as the Filipinas continue preparations for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Fresh from a second consecutive quarterfinal appearance at the Asian Games, the Filipinas will next travel to South America for two international friendlies against Peru in Chincha.

The matches are scheduled for Oct. 9 and 13, 2026, during the FIFA international window.

The Peru fixtures will expose the Filipinas to South American football as the team builds toward a World Cup that will be staged on the same continent next year.

Philippine Football Federation President John Anthony Gutierrez said the federation remains committed to providing the national team with the preparation required to compete internationally.

“The Filipinas have shown that they belong among Asia’s best, reaching the quarterfinals of the Asian Games in back-to-back editions. Now our goal is to make sure they are as prepared as possible for the biggest stage in the sport,” Gutierrez said.

“These matches in Peru are a crucial step. Exposure to South American football, against a disciplined and technical opponent, is exactly the kind of experience that will serve this team well as we march toward Brazil. PFF will continue to invest in this program and support our players every step of the way.”

Head coach Mark Torcaso said the squad welcomed the opportunity to reconvene in the Philippines after players returned to their respective clubs and colleges following the Asian Games.

“It’s great to be back here with the fans and our families,” Torcaso said. “We gather again for our preparation for the FIFA window in Peru.”

The two matches in Chincha will also give the Filipinas a chance to experience the football environment in Latin America before heading to Brazil for the World Cup.

“The upcoming camp in Peru is a great opportunity to play in South America. We are grateful for the chance to get a little taste of what Brazil could be like,” Torcaso said.

The squad will have a different look from the group that competed at the Asian Games, with returning players and new call-ups joining the camp.

Angie Beard, Sara Eggesvik and Meryll Serrano will miss the Peru trip as they continue working toward full fitness.

Sofia Wunsch is also unavailable because of injury.

Torcaso said the FIFA window will provide another opportunity to assess emerging players who could challenge for spots on the World Cup roster.

“We have a few new, exciting players to hopefully push for a spot on the World Cup roster. Kellie Pagador is a fresh face that will excite, and we are looking forward to seeing a few others,” Torcaso said.

Peru is expected to provide a different challenge for the Filipinas as Torcaso looks to test his side against a technically skilled, disciplined and organized opponent.

“We want to continue to challenge ourselves against well-organized and well-structured teams. We are working on specific things and want to continue to get better at these this coming window,” he said.

The Filipinas are also planning further international competition after the Peru window as part of their buildup toward Brazil.

Torcaso hinted that the team aims to travel to “another continent to face an opponent we know well, as we continue to develop our style of play.”

The coach also thanked the supporters and organizations backing the national team program.

“We are so thankful to all our friends and families back home and all around the world, all our sponsors, and most importantly the PFF and the support from the Federation,” Torcaso said.

“Your encouragement and cheering helped our team achieve another quarterfinal at the Asian Games, and we hope that this continues as we march towards the World Cup next year in Brazil.” (FIFA)