Philippines coach Mark Torcaso praised his squad’s unity as the Southeast Asian nation secured qualification for a second consecutive FIFA Women’s World Cup with a 2-0 win over Uzbekistan at the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, which also serves as the Asian qualifying round for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The Philippines prevailed in a playoff after losing out to Japan in the quarter-finals to book their place at the tournament in Brazil next year, four years after making their debut at the last edition in Australia.
“I’m extremely proud of every single player, including players that have been at the World Cup and have experienced the opportunities of playing on a big stage but I’m proud of every single player, the way they’ve stuck together as a group,” said Torcaso.
“Led by captain Hali Long, the girls have been outstanding for the last six weeks and all the work that we put in over that time has come to this and I’m extremely proud.”
Key to the win was the performance of 18-year-old winger Jael Guy, who provided the crosses for the goals scored by Angie Beard and Jackie Sawicki that confirmed the Philippines’ qualification.
“We came here with a very young squad, with an average age of around 23 or 24 and to have one of our future stars, a star on the world stage, play so well in a big game like this and help us qualify for the World Cup is a testament to her and her family,” said Torcaso.
“Jael’s just one of a number of players coming through our programme to be successful for our national team for many, many years.”
Guy’s inviting in-swinging cross from the right was met on the volley by Beard to give the Philippines the lead in the 47th minute, the Australia-born defender crashing the ball home via the underside of the crossbar.
Five minutes later Guy was tormenting the Uzbekistan defence again, bending over another centre from the right flank that Sawicki converted with a looping header.
“This is something I’ve dreamed about since being little,” said Guy, who won the Player of the Match award for her performance.
“Going to a World Cup is something that seems unreachable until it actually happens. I just feel very excited and grateful. I’m super grateful and super happy and excited to be going to Brazil next summer.”
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