The Philippines women's national football team is preparing to face the Matildas in the Women's Asian Cup, aiming for a better result than their previous 8-0 defeat in the Olympic Qualifiers.
The Philippines women's national football team is gearing up to face Australia’s Matildas in the opening match of the Women's Asian Cup 2026 in Perth. This matchup is particularly significant for the Filipinas as they look to redeem themselves after a painful 8-0 defeat in their last meeting during the 2023 Olympic Qualifiers. That match, which came early in head coach Mark Torcaso's tenure, magnified weaknesses and set a low bar for the team, but it has since fueled their resolve to improve.
The departure of team manager Jeff Cheng earlier this year marked a transitional moment for the Filipinas, who have made history by qualifying for their first FIFA Women's World Cup. His leadership had been pivotal in guiding the team through this incredible journey. Now, with fresh motivation and an emphasis on building a resilient team culture, the players are determined to showcase their growth on the international stage.
Players like former Matilda Angie Beard and midfielder Jackie Sawicki express a strong desire to rewrite their narrative against Australia. Beard articulates that the previous loss is a stark reminder of their potential, and with renewed resolve, the Filipinas are approaching this Asian Cup match as an opportunity to demonstrate their true identity as a competitive squad capable of challenging the best in Asia.
