Host PH to shed 'mediocre' image as FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup nears

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

World-class women's futsal takes center stage in 3 months as the Philippines gears up for a historic hosting of the inaugural, 16-nation FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup this November 21

MANILA, Philippines – Less than 100 days are left before the historic 2025 FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup comes to Philippine shores on November 21, marking the first time in history that the country will host a FIFA event, and the inaugural women’s tournament at that.

With Philippine football recently appearing on the world’s radar thanks to the exploits of the Filipinas women’s football team, the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) is keen to fan the flames further with a successful hosting of the sport’s smaller and shorter variant.

“We are on time with all of the preparations. We have been closely working with FIFA. We’ve been having meetings almost every day, updates on certain developments like venues getting them up to par with FIFA standards. It’s looking good for us,” said PFF president John Gutierrez at the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum on Tuesday, August 19.

“We expect some chinks here and there but we’re prepared for it. The Local Organizing Committee is doing an excellent job working with FIFA to make sure we are able to host this very prestigious event.”

The Philippines’ hosting of the pioneering women’s futsal showpiece will have a cross-country flair as the PhilSports Arena in Metro Manila and the Victorias City Coliseum in Negros Occidental are being groomed as the battlegrounds of a 16-nation-strong tournament.

Apart from flexing that the Philippines is ready to showcase more world-level sporting tournaments, Gutierrez also wants to show that the country is not just a hospitable host, but also a competitive one.

“We’re not here just to participate. We’re here to make an impact,” he continued. “And if we look at ourselves as mediocre to these powerhouses, then what’s the point of us participating? Realistically, we will be very competitive.”

Coach Rafa Merino currently has a 20-women pool led by co-captains Inday Tolentino and Isabella Flanigan. Six total cuts will be made before the tournament proper.

The Filipina5 – the name being nods to the original Filipinas football squad and futsal’s five-a-side format – will head to Japan mid-September for a camp, and hopefully finds a host in Europe during the FIFA window in October.

The World Cup official draw ceremony will be held on September 15 at the BGC Arts Center.

“It’s really a milestone for women’s sports that finally the World Cup for women’s futsal is here. So we’re very excited and thankful to FIFA for trusting us in hosting this event,” said Gutierrez. – Rappler.com

Click here to read article