THE Philippine women’s national football team—known as the Filipinas—is set to face a crucial test in the upcoming AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers, which will take place from June 29 to July 5 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Backed by a solid core of experienced veterans, this campaign serves as an important stepping stone toward the 2026 Asian Cup in Australia and lays the foundation for their journey to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Key players from the squad that competed in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup are expected to lead the charge once again, as head coach Mark Torcaso unveiled the 26-player lineup on Friday.
Among those spearheading the team are Olivia McDaniel, Angie Beard, Hali Long, Quinley Quezada, and Jaclyn Sawicki—each of whom played a vital role in the Philippines’ historic World Cup run.
Here is the full 26-player roster:
GOALKEEPERS
Gabrielle Baker
Olivia McDaniel
Nina Meollo
Inna Palacios
DEFENDERS
Angela Beard
Malea Cesar
Rhea Chan
Jessika Cowart
Janae Defazio
Hali Long
Katana Norman
Sofia Wunsch
MIDFIELDERS
Sara Eggesvik
Kaya Hawkinson
Charisa Lemoran
Isabella Pasion
Alexa Pino
Quinley Quezada
Jaclyn Sawicki
Ava Villapando
FORWARDS
Carleigh Frilles
Nina Mathelus
Chandler McDaniel
Meryll Serrano
Dionesa Tolentin
Chayse Ying
Huge Void to Fill
Absent from the roster are key players Katrina Guillou and Sarina Bolden—the latter famously scoring the Filipinas’ historic goal against co-host New Zealand two years ago and currently holding the title of the nation’s top scorer with 31 international goals.
While Bolden’s accolades are well recognized, Guillou’s omission is equally impactful, as the long-time squad member has tallied 13 goals in 41 appearances, making her a crucial figure in the team’s recent success.
The Philippine Football Federation has yet to provide an official explanation for their absence in the qualifiers, though Coach Mark Torcaso previously confirmed in May that Bolden is recovering from an injury.
Despite these setbacks, the Filipinas are set to begin their qualifying campaign on June 29 against Saudi Arabia, a nation making its debut in the tournament. They will then face hosts Cambodia on July 2 before closing group play with Hong Kong on July 5.
Only the top team from each of the eight groups will secure a spot in next year’s Women’s Asian Cup, joining host Australia, defending champions China, 2022 finalists South Korea, and third-place finishers Japan.
The Philippines made a strong run in the 2022 edition in India, reaching the semifinals before falling to South Korea, 2-0.
