Philippines drawn with Australia in AFC Women’s Cup

SYDNEY — The Philippine Women’s National Football Team will face tournament hosts Australia, Korea Republic, and IR Iran in Group A of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, following Tuesday night’s official draw held in Sydney.

The tournament, which kicks off in March 2026, marks the Philippines’ third consecutive appearance in Asia’s premier women’s football championship.

“Not the easiest group but not the hardest,” said Philippine Football Federation (PFF) President John Gutierrez.

“Either way, we have to beat the best to be the best. Our girls will be ready come March.”

The Filipinas, currently ranked 41st in the world by FIFA, will open their campaign against 15th-ranked Australia on Sunday, March 1, 2026 in Perth.

They will then face 21st-ranked Korea Republic on March 5, followed by 68th-ranked IR Iran on March 8, with both matches scheduled in the Gold Coast.

Head coach Mark Torcaso, who attended the draw, said he welcomes the challenge.

“Really excited by it, and I know that our players will be up for the challenge,” Torcaso said.

“Every team here that has qualified obviously deserves to be here and they’re all going to be difficult opponents.”

“It didn’t really matter who we were going to play—every game is going to be tough, and every game we have to be extremely determined and focused to get an outcome.”

The AFC Women’s Asian Cup serves as the main qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with six automatic berths available.

To qualify, teams must finish in the top two of their group or be one of the two best third-placed teams.

The four semifinalists and two playoff winners among quarterfinal losers will earn automatic World Cup slots, while playoff losers still have a chance via an intercontinental playoff.

“We’re really excited by this opportunity, playing against the host in front of a big crowd in the first game,” said Torcaso.

“We are going to do our absolute best to bring World Cup opportunities back to our players and back to our country.”

“We’ll be extremely determined and excited by making sure that we make this happen and we’ll do everything possible over the next few windows to make sure that we’re as prepared as possible.”

The Philippines made history by reaching the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time, and the 2026 Asian Cup presents a crucial chance to return to the global stage.

Torcaso also confirmed that preparations for the tournament are already underway.

“This coming AFF tournament is a chance for us to see a lot of our young youth players play,” he said.

“Obviously with a closed FIFA window, we will give a lot of opportunity to our young players and see where they’re at in the level that they’re going to be hopefully to be ready for opportunities that come their way for the Asian Cup.”

The Philippines will compete alongside 11 other nations in the continental championship, with matches taking place across multiple venues in Australia.