Philippines women’s national soccer team players shed tears of emotion after securing advancement in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers. The team eyes a Women’s World Cup berth through strong performances in the knockout stages.
Tournament Format and Stakes
The qualifiers feature 12 teams divided into three groups at Ho Chi Minh City’s Stadion My Dinh. The top two teams from each group, plus the two best third-place finishers, advance to an eight-team knockout tournament. Semifinalists and playoff winners from quarterfinal losers earn six spots in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Japan’s Overwhelming Dominance
Japan delivers commanding performances, topping Group C with victories over Turkmenistan (2-0), India (11-0), and Vietnam (4-0). The team recently thrashed South Korea 3-0, highlighting their superiority. Ranked eighth globally and first in Asia by FIFA, Japan relies on a squad of 26 players, with 19 based at European clubs and only four domestic players.
Philippines head coach describes Japan as operating in “their own territory,” adding, “The team advancing from the eight groups by overcoming Japan is Japan itself. Japan centers on overwhelmingly superior talent.”
Philippines’ Group Stage Journey
In Group A, Philippines records one win and two losses: a narrow 0-1 defeat to Australia, a 0-3 loss to Chinese Taipei, and a 2-0 victory over Iran. This secures third place and qualification as one of the best third-placed teams.
Team official Adamson notes, “Of the 26 players in Japan’s squad for this tournament, 19 play for European clubs, with four from domestic leagues.”
Looking Ahead
Philippines faces the loser of the Chinese Taipei-Uzbekistan matchup next. The coach emphasizes focus, stating, “The team must concentrate on upcoming matches to build momentum. Uzbekistan may seem weaker, but underestimation leads to defeat. Technically solid Philippines carries positive momentum without favoritism.”
