Above: The Philippines lines up for a team photo. Image: Philippines Women’s National Team.
By Genevieve Henry (19/2/26).
A growing power in Asian women’s football, The Philippines Women’s National Team will be competing in their 11th Asian Cup. Las Filipinas will look to improve upon their semifinal appearance in the 2022 edition. Competing in Group A alongside Australia, South Korea, and Iran, this team will have to make every moment count.
The Philippines know how to play tournament football, however, their pedigree has grown in recent years. In 2022, they won their first major trophy, taking home the ASEAN Women’s Championship and solidifying their place as one of the best in Southeast Asia. The Philippines also added a first World Cup appearance — and win — to their list of accomplishments in 2023.
Squad:
Mark Torcaso announced the preliminary 32-player squad on February 4th.
Goalkeepers: Olivia McDaniel (Stallion Laguna), Kiara Fontanilla (Unattached), Nina Meollo (Real Bedford), Gabrielle Baker (Louisiana Cardinals), Leah Bradley (Wilmington Hammerheads), Isabelle Mapanao (Rose State Raiders).
Defenders: Hali Long (College of Asian Scholars), Sofia Wunsch (Unattached), Jessika Cowart (Vancouver Rise), Malea Cesar (Trinity Tigers), Angela Beard (Brisbane Roar), Janae DeFazio (Western Sydney Wanderers), Ariana Markey (Pepperdine Waves), Aiselyn Sia (Illinois FIghting Illini).
Midfielders: Sara Eggesvik (LSK Kvinner), Jaclyn Sawicki (Calgary Wild), Anicka Castañeda (Kaya–Iloilo), Kaya Hawkinson (Stallion Laguna), Isabella Pasion (Stallion Laguna), Alexa Pino (Kentucky Wildcats), Alessandrea Carpio (Kaya Iloilo), Natalie Oca (UC San Diego Tritons), Aaliyah Schinaman (George Mason Patriots), Jourdyn Curran (Unattached), Ava Villapando (LSU Tigers).
Forwards: Carleigh Frilles (DC Power), Katrina Guillou (DC Power), Chandler McDaniel (Stallion Laguna), Meryll Serrano (Haugesund), Mallie Ramirez (UNLV Rebels), Jael-Marie Guy (Brown Bears), Paige McSwigan (North Florida Ospreys).
Head Coach:
The Philippines are coached by a man well-known in Australian football: Mark Torcaso. After finding success in the NPLW, the Australian rose to prominence leading Western United in their inaugural season to great success, winning A-League Women coach of the Year 2022-23. He succeeded fellow Australian Alen Stajcic as the coach of Las Filipinas in August 2023. Torcaso recently led the Philippines to a gold medal at the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand in December 2025, defeating Vietnam on penalties after a testy mini-tournament run.
Asian Cup History:
This will be the 11th Asian Cup appearance for The Philippines. The 2022 edition was their most successful run, making it all the way to the semifinals. In every other edition they have qualified for, aside from 2018, they only played in the group stage. The past two editions, finishing sixth and making it to the semifinal, will give the team hope.
How They Qualified:
The Philippines topped qualification Group G to qualify for the Asian Cup. They earned a perfect 9 points and a goal difference of 10, beating Saudi Arabia 3-0, Cambodia 6-0, and Hong Kong 1-0.
Strengths:
The Philippines boast a squad filled with international experience that has helped propel them to their recent success. With players in Australia, Europe, Canada, and plenty in the U.S. College System — alongside the domestic players — the team is able to draw from a wide range of experiences and styles. This helps the team thrive defensively, especially, conceding only 8 goals in 15 games in 2025.
Development Areas:
The Philippines struggle offensively at times, failing to score more than 1 or 2 goals when met with good competition. Despite having high scoring forwards such as Sarina Bolden and Quinley Quezada, the team needs varied routes to goal. Their Asian Cup qualifying campaign exemplifies this, having the lowest goal difference of any winning team.
Key Players:
Hali Long captains the Philippines and holds their appearance record with 101. The 31-year old centreback has also scored 22 goals, an impressive feat for a defensive player. She drives the team from the defense, making runs and constantly spurring on moves with her attack-minded play. She plays her club football for The College of Women Scholars in Thailand, on loan from Filipino club Kaya Iloilo.
Olivia McDaniel in goal has been a star for the Philippines in the past few years. The 28-year old goalkeeper plays for Stallion Laguna in the Philippines and has made 59 appearances for the national team. She is firmly in control of the number one goalkeeper spot. She is pivotal in keeping the Philippines stronger defensively.
Midfielder Sara Eggsevik has 50 caps and 6 goals for Las Filipinas, but her influence goes beyond her stats. Marshalling the midfield with experience, the 28-year old has been instrumental in the Philippines’ late successes. She even got the assist for Bolden’s winning goal against New Zealand in their first World Cup victory. Eggsevik is one of the team’s primary creative figures. She plays for Norwegian club LSK Kvinner. Born and raised in Norway, she also represented them at the youth levels.
One to Watch:
24-year old defender Janae DeFazio is a rising star in the defence, plying her club trade at Western Sydney Wanderers in the A-League women. She found great success prior to her professional career at UCLA, playing 37 times during college. She was signed by Kansas City Current out of college, but moved back to the Philippines to briefly play for Makati. In her first appearances for the Philippines in 2024, she recorded an assist against Jordan.
Success Would Be:
Advancing beyond the group stage would be a success for the Philippines and winning a quarterfinal would be within reach. Although they were drawn into a tough group, Torcaso and his side have high standards due to their recent success.
Prediction:
The Philippines should advance to the quarterfinals but may lose against China, Japan, or North Korea. If they manage to escape the powerhouses, they could advance, but a quarterfinal exit seems likely.
Fixtures:
1st March — Australia vs Philippines, 5pm, Perth Stadium
5th March — Philippines vs South Korea, 1pm, Gold Coast Stadium
8th March — Iran vs Philippines, 7pm, Gold Coast Stadium
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