FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup
Head coach Rafa Merino has introduced fresh faces to the squad which exited the group stage on their debut at the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup™ Hohhott 2025, with the team coming off a two-week training camp in Spain as part of their final build-up.
How they got there: Hosts
Head coach: Rafa Merino
Player to watch: Dionesa Tolentin
Fun fact: Several players in the Philippines squad including Guillou, Sawicki and Flanigan have represented the country in both football and futsal
Group A Fixtures: v Poland (Nov 21), v Morocco (Nov 24), Argentina (Nov 27)
Despite coming in last in their group, the Philippines - led by Isabella Flanigan - showed attacking flair on transitions but lacked the finishing touch in the final third.
To sharpen their edge, Merino has brought in Jaclyn Sawicki and Katrina Guillou, who both featured in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023.
Joining the duo are familiar faces Alisha del Campo, Flanigan, Dionesa Tolentin and Charisa Lemoran along with established players Lanie Ortillo, Isabella Bandoja, Rocelle Mendano and foreign-based talents Cathrine Graversen and Judy Connolly.
Tolentin, who scored Philippines’ first goal in Hohhot against Hong Kong, China believes the squad has made significant progress and is ready to embrace the challenge on home soil.
“This is definitely a tough group, but we’ll work and train hard to show what we’re capable of,” said Tolentin. “This Filipina team may be new, but we have the grit and eagerness to learn new things every day. We have been training every day for the past months, and we’re ready to take on this new challenge and to represent our country.
“Our goal is to win. We want to perform well, show that we may be new, but we have got something to prove. Hopefully our performances can inspire young girls who have hopes of becoming futsal players. Now there is a world stage for them. They can work towards this goal too.”
“As a Filipina, it would be such an honour to walk out in our national colours and hear our anthem at the World Cup. The pressure is there, but it’s truly a privilege to play while carrying my country’s flag.
“I know it’s a moment bigger than myself. It's for my family, for every Filipino who dreams, and for our country. I’ll carry that pride with humility and give my very best on the court,” stressed Tolentin.
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