Filipinas book Kiwi friendlies

The national football team is going to do two-game friendly series with New Zealand as the Filipinas continue preparations for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Filipinas head coach Mark Torcaso said the matches would provide another important test against a fellow World Cup-bound team with a different style and strengths from Peru.

The Philippines concluded its camp in South America after its two-game friendly with the Peruvians.

“This is a place in which we created history a few years ago. It will be great for us to go and test ourselves against another team going to the World Cup, but with a strong team in many different ways compared to Peru,” Torcaso said.

“This will be another great challenge.”

Torcaso also stressed that the door remains open for players hoping to earn a place in the World Cup squad, regardless of whether they were included in the latest training camp.

“We continue to monitor players in camp and out of camp. Just because you miss a window or aren’t called up it doesn’t mean you will miss out,” Torcaso said.

“We need to keep improving as a team and continue to believe in ourselves.”

The Filipinas will be aiming to be the first squad to reach the knockout stage of a World Cup in any capacity after their historic win over New Zealand in 2023.

Torcaso called on Filipino fans to continue supporting the team as it works toward another appearance on the world stage.

“Continue to support our girls. As we build to the World Cup we need your positive support and encouragement. We will do well and make our country proud if we stick by these players,” Torcaso said.

“We want to create a new piece of history together with our fans. Thank you for watching up in those early hours, we always know you are there.”