By: Gil Moriones
MANILA -- The Filipinas officially set their eyes on a second FIFA Women's World Cup appearance as they will face tournament hosts Australia, Korea Republic, and IR Iran in Group A for the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup, with the Final Draw held Tuesday afternoon (Philippine Time) at Sydney Town Hall, Sydney, Australia.
This will be the Filipinas' 11th Women's Asian Cup appearance after winning Group G in the recent qualifiers.
Meanwhile, debutant Bangladesh, Uzbekistan, defending champions China PR, and the returning DPR Korea will battle for two highlighted spots and a possible third-place finish in Group B.
Finally, Group C will be composed of India, Chinese Taipei, Vietnam, and Japan.
The top 2 teams per group and the two best third-placed teams will proceed to the Quarterfinals. Winners will secure spots in the 2027 Brazil Women's World Cup, while the last two slots will be up for grabs for the losers in the Quarterfinals via Play-In matches.
The two winners in the Play-In will join the continental cup semifinalists in Brazil, while the losers still have a shot at a Women's World Cup berth as they will continue their chances through the Inter-confederation Playoffs.
In the 2022 Women's Asian Cup in India, the Philippines earned their first-ever FIFA Women's World Cup appearance after beating Chinese Taipei in the Quarterfinals in a penalty shootout, 4-3, following a 1-1 draw at the end of regulation and extra time.
The first-time semifinalists, once coached by Alen Stajcic, eventually bowed to Korea Republic, 2-0. China PR secured their 9th Women's Asian Cup title after beating the Koreans, 3-2, in the final.
