Undefeated in the qualifiers, the Filipinas are heading to their second consecutive Asian Cup appearance
The Philippines has recently secured its spot in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ after an impressive, undefeated campaign in the qualifiers. The national women’s team topped Group G with three straight wins—defeating Saudi Arabia 3–0, Cambodia 6–0, and sealing the deal with a 1–0 victory over Hong Kong.
That final match, played at the National Sports Complex in Phnom Penh, saw Chandler Blue McDaniel find the back of the net just four minutes in, a goal that would ultimately secure the team’s place in the tournament.
“The team had a goal and it was to win all three games and do the best we absolutely could,” said McDaniel in a post-game interview.
“We love seeing all of our Filipinas out to support us and we’re just so happy we were able to give them the result that they deserved,” McDaniel added.
This marks the Philippines’ second consecutive appearance at the Women’s Asian Cup—a tournament that will feature 12 teams and be hosted across Perth, Gold Coast, and Sydney from 1 to 21 March 2026.
With the tournament set to take place in Sydney, Perth, and the Gold Coast, many Filipino-Australians are expected to show their support for the national team as they play on Australian soil for the first time in an AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
Road to 2026
The Philippines joins the other qualified nations for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™. Here’s the full list of teams:
- Australia (Host nation)
- China (2022 top 3 – automatic qualifier)
- Japan (2022 top 3 – automatic qualifier)
- South Korea (2022 top 3 – automatic qualifier)
- Iran (Group A winner)
- India (Group B winner)
- Bangladesh (Group C winner)
- Chinese Taipei (Group D winner)
- Vietnam (Group E winner)
- Uzbekistan (Group F winner)
- Philippines (Group G winner)
- DPR Korea (Group H winner)
Eyes on the World Cup
The stakes are high for all participating teams. The top six finishers in the tournament will automatically qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup to be held in Brazil.
Currently ranked 41st in the world and 7th in Asia, the Philippines continues to rise as a formidable force in women’s football, both on the pitch and in the hearts of their supporters.
The official draw for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup will take place at Sydney Town Hall on 29 July 2025.
Follow tournament updates: AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 – Official Site
Register for ticket priority access: AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 | Football Australia
