By: Gil Moriones
MANILA — The road to Australia was formally set as the Philippine Women’s National Football Team announced the 26-woman squad to boost their chances of qualifying for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, as posted on their Facebook page Friday afternoon.
Still, Sarina Bolden will not be seen again, as Filipinas head coach Mark Torcaso told reporters after the June 3 friendly vs. Chinese Taipei that Bolden is undergoing rehabilitation for her injury, making her return to national duty uncertain.
Some key players who were not tapped in their last outing vs. Chinese Taipei will play against Saudi Arabia, Cambodia, and Hong Kong starting June 29 in Phnom Penh. These include Meryll Serrano, Charleigh Frilles, and Quinley Quezada.
There are no major changes among the goalkeepers, as Gabrielle Baker, Olivia McDaniel, and Inna Palacios were called up once again. Only Nina Meollo, who played against UAE last April, was activated to replace Kiara Fontanilla.
There are no significant changes in the defense either, with Angela Beard, Malea Cesar, Jessika Cowart, Janae DeFazio, Hali Long, and Katana Norman retained. Rhea Chan and Sofia Wunsch were added to the roster.
Sara Eggesvik, Kaya Hawkinson, Isabella Pasion, Jaclyn Sawicki, and Ava Villapando were retained as midfielders, while Alexa Pino and Charisa Lemoran were added to the squad.
Finally, young attackers Nina Mathelus, Chayse Ying, Chandler McDaniel, and Dionesa Tolentin—who played for the Filipina5 in the last Women’s Futsal Asian Cup—will reinforce the national team’s attacking arsenal despite Bolden’s absence.
The top team in Group G will earn a slot in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia.
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