Action between the Filipinas and Uzbekistan in the play-in of the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026. PFF-PWNFT
MANILA — It was almost improbable, but the Filipinas have qualified anew for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, making them one of the few Southeast Asian teams to reach the tournament twice in a row.
The Philippine women’s national football team endured a string of heartbreaks early in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, managing only a lone win over Iran (2-0) while absorbing defeats to Australia, South Korea, and eventually Japan in the quarterfinals.
However, rather than completely folding after their slow start, the Filipinas refused to give in and instead made the most of their relegation to the Play-In by defeating Uzbekistan (2-0).
READ: Filipinas book second straight World Cup appearance with rout of Uzbekistan
“It’s such a surreal feeling to qualify for another World Cup,” reflected Filipinas forward Alessandrea Carpio during an appearance on Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Media Room in Manila.
“It’s difficult kapag sunod-sunod ang losses, but we kept our minds on the big picture. We tried to keep it very positive. We said that we had to move on, focus on the next game,” added the 24-year-old.
For Carpio, losing to the best that Asia has to offer provided invaluable lessons, which she believes could also benefit them in the World Cup proper.
“It’s not every day to go up against teams like that,” she said of their matches against World No. 5 Japan, No. 10 South Korea, and No. 15 Australia. “Although the results were losses, we still did enough.”
The No. 39 Filipinas are also looking to develop a more balanced approach ahead of the World Cup in Brazil when they return to camp at a yet-to-be-determined time later this year.
“The Asian Cup gave us a chance to work on our defensive tactics,” she said. “We’re hoping that moving forward, we can also focus a little bit more on our offense. We’re hoping that we can use what we learned in the Asian Cup and bring it to the World Cup.”
READ: For former nat'l team players, Filipinas' return to World Cup a 'statement' of team's growth
And as they anticipate a tough challenge in Brazil, Carpio — who could make her World Cup debut should she make the roster — said one thing that could help the history-chasing Filipinas is getting more reps ahead of next year.
“We just need to play together. That’s the way that we can prepare. So we just hope for more opportunities to come together,” she insisted. “The best thing you can do in these situations is prepare the best way possible. Control what we can control.”
The Filipinas are expected to compete in the 2026 Asian Games, and are also looking to play friendly matches as they prepare for their World Cup return.
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