Filipinas grouped with NZ, 2 Euro countries in FIFA WWC

The Filipinas will play New Zealand, Norway, and Switzerland in the FIFA Women's World Cup group stages. PFF (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASIG--The Philippine women's football team's journey in the FIFA Women's World Cup begins with a rematch against New Zealand and showdowns against two European nations following the group draw on Saturday.

The Filipinas were placed in Group A, joining New Zealand, Norway, and Switzerland.

The Filipinas saw a glimpse of what the Kiwis can do as they fought back in the second half to steal a 2-1 win in a friendly in the United States.

New Zealand, though, has a home-field advantage in their second meeting this time as they will face off again in Wellington on July 26, 2023 as confirmed by the Philippine Football Federation.

The Filipinas will first battle the Swiss ladies on July 21, 2023 in Dunedin and will cap their preliminary-round assignment against Norway on July 30, 2023 in Auckland.

The top two teams from each of the eight groups in the group stages will enter the knockout stages.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno