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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Filipinas eye World Cup slot vs Uzbekistan in AFC Women's Asian Cup playoffs

Filipinas eye World Cup slot vs Uzbekistan in AFC Women's Asian Cup playoffs

Published Mar 18, 2026 01:00 pm

At A Glance

  • The high-stakes showdown kicks off at 11 a.m. (Philippine time) at the Gold Coast Stadium in Australia with the winner securing one of the last two tickets at stake to the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.
The Filipinas are leaving no stone unturned in their playoffs match against Uzbekistan. (AFC)
The Filipinas are leaving no stone unturned in their playoffs match against Uzbekistan. (AFC)
The Philippine women’s football team gets one last shot at a World Cup berth when it clashes with Uzbekistan in the playoffs of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup on Thursday, March 19.
The high-stakes showdown kicks off at 11 a.m. (Philippine time) at the Gold Coast Stadium in Australia with the winner securing one of the last two tickets at stake to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Despite a heavy 0-7 loss to two-time champion Japan in the quarterfinals just days ago, the Filipinas remain undaunted in keeping their dream of a second consecutive World Cup appearance alive.
“The players have done a fantastic job to put us in this position and it reflects the hard work they’ve put in over the past couple of years,” said Filipinas coach Mark Torcaso.
“The matches we’ve played in this tournament are a true reflection of that effort -- they’ve given us a real opportunity to qualify for another World Cup,” he added.
On paper, the White Wolves hold the edge, having won three of their last four encounters with the Filipinas since 1997. Their most recent clash, a friendly at Rizal Memorial Stadium last October, ended in a 2-all draw.
Torcaso is expecting a better result this time, aiming to field a full-strength squad that includes fully rested goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel, who sat out the clash against Japan.
“Now that we’re here, we’re determined to make the most of it and go again. The experience of a World Cup is something special and it’s something we want to bring back to the team. At the same time, we have players who are hungry to reach that stage for the first time,” said Torcaso.
Meanwhile, Uzbekistan also expects to bounce back from a 0-6 quarters defeat to South Korea with hopes of securing its first World Cup appearance.
“We are in the playoff stage and one step to making history. That’s the spirit we bring into this playoff stage – we take it head-on,” said Uzbekistan’s head coach Kotryna Kulbyte.
“It brings both excitement and responsibility. It’s a very important match but we approach it with belief and a sense of responsibility, not pressure,” she added.
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