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| The Philippines will host the first-ever FIFA Women's Futsal World Cup. PFF (file photo) |
MANILA--An unexpected breakthrough came for the Philippine football community.
FIFA approved and announced the formation of the FIFA Women's Futsal World Cup to be held in 2025 with the Philippines chosen as the inaugural host.
As the 74th FIFA Congress convened in Bangkok, Thailand, the governing body also approved the actual commencement of the FIFA Women's Futsal World Cup after it was first mentioned in December 2022 through its Women's International Match for the Calendar 2026-2029, published at FIFA's official website Wednesday afternoon.
The first edition of the Women's Futsal World Cup will feature 16 teams including the Philippines.
The other qualified teams are allocated per confederation--four teams from Europe, three teams each from Asia and South America, two from Africa and North America, and one from Oceania.
"We are both humbled and honored by the faith and confidence that FIFA has placed in the Philippine Football Federation to stage a historic event not just for football and futsal, but for women's sport," John Gutierrez, the President of the PFF, reacted on Meta on behalf of the national federation.
The 16 teams will divided into four groups composing four teams in each group. The top two teams per group will advance to the quarterfinals, and the winners of the next phase will advance to the semifinals.
The winning semifinalists will clash in the final, while the other two semifinalists will play in a rubber match for third place
The "Pinay 5" is expected to represent the country for the upcoming inaugural Futsal World Cup.
Their last active performance was way back in the 2023 PFF Women's Tri-Nation Futsal Invitational where they placed 2nd.
"This is the first time that the Philippines will be hosting a FIFA World Cup event, so on behalf of the PFF, I thank the FIFA Council for their trust, and look forward to working with all our local stakeholders in organizing a historic event," Gutierrez added.
MOA Arena eyed as Futsal World Cup venue
A person knowledgeable of the situation told Dugout Philippines that the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay is being eyed as the main venue for the FIFA Women's Futsal World Cup.
The source said the said arena's successful hosting of the FIBA Basketball World Cup last year mainly factored in FIFA's decision to hand the Women's Futsal World Cup hosting rights to the Philippines.
Other arenas being looked upon are the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City and the Ninoy Aquino Stadium here, where the Pinay 5 played their recent matches.
With a report from Ivan Saldajeno from San Juan City.
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