Philippines Will Host Futsal Women's World Cup

The Philippines is hoping to make an impact as host as well as on the field in the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup. A total of 16 countries will see action from 21 November to 7 December in Pasig City and Victorias City, Negros Occidental.

These are Spain, Italy, Poland, Portugal (Europe); Iran, Japan, Thailand, Philippines (Asia); Morocco, Tanzania (Africa); Canada, Panama (North America); Argentina, Brazil, Colombia (South America); and New Zealand (Oceania).

The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout phase, comprising the quarterfinals, semifinals, a third-place playoff and finals.

Spain, Italy, Brazil, Thailand and Canada will be the toughest teams to beat, according to Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president John Gutierrez during the weekly Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila last 19 August.

"And if we look at ourselves as mediocre to these powerhouses, then what’s the point of us participating. Realistically, we will be very competitive," Gutierrez said.

Coach Rafa Merino has a 20-women pool led by skippers Inday Tolentino and Isabella Flanigan. The team will be trimmed to 16, before the final 14 players.

Gutierrez said the hosting preparations are right on schedule.

"We’ve been having meetings almost every day, updates on certain developments like venues getting them up to par with FIFA standards. It’s looking good for us," Gutierrez said.

The PFF expects some chinks but is prepared for anything.

"The local organizing committee (LOC) is doing an excellent job working with FIFA to make sure we are able to host this very prestigious event," he said. "We’re not here just to participate. We’re here to make an impact."

The national team will attend a training camp in Japan by mid-September.

"It’s really a milestone for women’s sports that finally the World Cup for women’s futsal is here. So we’re very excited and thankful to FIFA for trusting us in hosting this event," Gutierrez said.

Isabella Fernando, head of government relations of the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup LOC, also attended the weekly session presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee.

She said the official draw ceremony will be held on 15 September.

The tournament received a major boost through Administrative Order No. 35 signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for the creation of an Inter-Agency Task Force for the hosting.