Filipinas ready for FIFA Women's World Cup 2027, head coach says

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Philippine women’s national football team (PWNFT) head coach Mark Torcaso is leaving no stone unturned as he prepares the Filipinas for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Torcaso laid out an extensive buildup that will take the team across four continents over the next two years, with the goal of surpassing its historic 2023 World Cup campaign by advancing beyond the group stage.

The Australian coach said the Filipinas have already gained valuable experience from winning the Southeast Asian Games gold medal and competing in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, both of which helped gauge the team’s progress against top-level competition.

Following those tournaments, the Filipinas regrouped in San Diego, California, where they began the next phase of their preparations through a training camp and friendly matches against San Diego Wave and Albion San Diego. The camp featured a 30-player pool that included returning national team members and newly identified prospects.

READ: Filipinas return to FIFA Women’s World Cup

“Every camp and every opportunity we’ve got is strategically organized so we’re going to be ready for this World Cup,” Torcaso said.

Torcaso was in the Philippines this week to scout local talent during the opening of the PFF Women’s League. He also plans to personally monitor Filipina players competing overseas, including those in Myanmar, Taiwan and Europe.

“I want to make sure that we give everyone an opportunity to be part of this World Cup. I don’t want to miss out on anyone,” he said.

Packed schedule

The Filipinas’ schedule remains packed, with the Asian Games in Japan this September serving as another important test despite falling outside the FIFA international window, which could limit the availability of overseas-based players.

“The main objective is to go as far as we can, but it’s also an opportunity to test players at a high level and see if they’ll be ready for the World Cup,” Torcaso said.

Beyond the Asian Games, the Filipinas are set to maximize every FIFA international window before the World Cup. Their buildup includes a South American tour in October, matches against Asian and Oceanian opponents later this year, the Pinatar Cup in Spain in February 2027, the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in April 2027, and a four-to-six-week training camp in Brazil immediately before the World Cup.

Torcaso credited the Philippine Football Federation for fully backing the program.

READ: Filipinas show grit in loss to Matildas at AFC Women’s Asian Cup

READ: Filipinas beat Uzbekistan to reach Fifa Women’s World Cup anew

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