The Philippines will leave no stone unturned as it braces for another stern test in the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.

Filipinas head coach Mark Torcaso said that while the tournament will form part of the team’s preparations for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, his squad cannot afford to underestimate the opposition as it chases the country’s first Asian Games medal in women’s football.

The Filipinas will take on China, Hong Kong and Uzbekistan in the group stages, which will run from 14 September to 2 October.

“If I look at the groupings, I think all the groups are tough groups in their own individual ways. I think our group is a tough group,” said Torcaso, whose first stint as head coach came during the 19th Asian Games.

“We’ve got Hong Kong, who we narrowly beat to qualify for the Asian Cup, who are also a very good team, and we also know how good China is.”

“We haven’t played China ever since I’ve been here. China is a great team and it gives us a chance to play against a very, very good team. But again, this Asian Games is also about preparing us for the World Cup.”

Team captain Hali Long and FIFA Women’s World Cup stalwarts Olivia McDaniel, Jaclyn Sawicki, Sofia Wunsch, Katrina Guillou, Carleigh Frilles, Angie Beard and Reina Bonta lead the Asiad crew alongside senior team regulars Isabella Pasion, Kaya Hawkinson and Inday Tolentin.

The Filipinas made history in the previous Asian Games by reaching the quarterfinals for the first time before bowing to eventual champion Japan, 1-8.

Now coming off a Southeast Asian Games triumph last year, the Philippines has no plans of slowing down as it seeks to make a deeper run in the continental meet.

Torcaso said the team’s competitive spirit will be crucial as the Filipinas continue to build toward their bid for another World Cup appearance.

“(In this) Asian Games, (we) have a few players unavailable as it’s outside of the FIFA window, and we will use this opportunity to continue to test our young players and give opportunities to players to announce themselves on the national stage,” Torcaso said.

“We want to give a chance for every player to be an option for next year’s World Cup. We will use this Asian Games as one of these options.”