GOAL

Filipinas face new challenge in NZ return

Ivan Suing · Oct 25, 2026, 1:18 AM

KATRINA Guillou and the Filipinas are making a return to Wellington armed with a mission of getting better for the FIFA Women’s World Cup next year in Brazil. — Photograph courtesy of PFF

Filipinas head coach Mark Torcaso is looking forward to testing his squad against New Zealand, believing that the two-game friendly series will provide them valuable preparation for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign.

The Filipinas will face the Football Ferns in Wellington on 29 November and 4 December, with Torcaso expecting a tough challenge against the Oceania side.

“This is a great occasion for us to play Oceania’s best team and a team that is going to the World Cup. New Zealand is another different opponent that provides us with another different challenge,” Torcaso said.

“They are fast, strong and dangerous in transition.”

The Australian coach also expects New Zealand to field a different-looking squad, with several new players adding another dimension to the matchup.

“We anticipate playing against a very different side. They have some new faces, fresh faces that will give them a different look, one that we are excited by and looking forward to,” Torcaso said.

The Filipinas are coming off a two-game friendly series against Peru, losing 1-2 on 10 October before bouncing back with a 2-0 victory four days later.

The trip to Wellington also brings the team back to the city where it secured its first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup victory in 2023.

Torcaso welcomed the opportunity to return to familiar surroundings while measuring his players against another team with World Cup experience.

“It’s great for our girls to return to Wellington for this big occasion. The World Cup is a big competition and strong opposition like New Zealand will help with our preparations,” Torcaso said.