MANILA — The Philippine Women's National Football Team is entering the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup with the momentum on their side.
Coming from a golden finish at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games, the Filipinas have a lot of confidence, as they also came from a productive training camp.
"I can say we have a lot of momentum right now and we're all very excited," said forward Alexa Pino on Friday afternoon as she faced the media at the sidelines of "The Filipinas Homecoming," where they were celebrated at the MOA Sky Amphitheater.
READ: PWNFT celebrated at 'The Filipinas Homecoming' for SEA Games gold
The Filipinas were crowned queens of Southeast Asian football after dethroning Vietnam in the most dramatic of ways, winning in a penalty shootout, 6-5, to rule the regional tilt last year.
"We came in as underdogs and the defending champions. We're very proud of that. We fought literally to the end. Full overtime, penalty kicks, and we deserved it. We are all very excited," Pino said.
Midfielder Jael-Marie Guy is excited as well for the Australian tournament, where they are scheduled to face the host on March 1.
READ: Filipinas dethrone Vietnam for first-ever SEA Games gold
"We're really excited because this is going to be a very big tournament for the Philippines after coming from SEA Games, where we made a statement, and we've just been working really hard, and I think that all of our preparation is going to be worth it and show when we play," said Guy.
Forward Mallie Ramirez said it is a "big honor" to be playing for the Philippines in the Asian Cup.
"Camp has been really good for us. We've been working hard. I think SEA Games prepared us a lot," said Ramirez.
"Being a newer face and as my friends here, we're all younger faces, so being able to step up and be able to play for this tournament is a big honor."