The Philippine women's national futsal team ahead of their match against Poland in the 2025 FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup, November 21, 2025 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City. PFF photo
MANILA -- The Philippine women's national futsal team has a second chance at a historic victory when it takes Morocco in the 2025 FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup on Monday night at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
The Filipina5 and the Atlas Lionesses are in the same boat, coming off identical 0-6 losses in their opening assignments against Poland and Argentina, respectively.
They face off in a Group A showdown at 8:30 p.m.
READ: Filipina5 look to bounce back after tough result vs Poland
The hosts brace for a tough duel against Morocco, the reigning Women's Futsal Africa Cup of Nations titlist that's sitting 42 places higher in the world rankings at 31st.
"Bilog po ang bola," said co-skipper Inday Tolentin ahead of the Filipina5's mission against the Moroccans in the inaugural global meet backed by the Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Football Federation.
"Gagawin po namin ang lahat para maipanalo ‘yung laban at lalaban kami para sa team, para sa bayan and para sa mga taong naniniwala sa amin," she added.
Coach Rafa Merino expressed confidence his charges would come out of the debut game against No. 14 Poland wiser and more inspired especially with Filipino supporters rallying them on.
READ: Filipina5 fall to Poland in FIFA Futsal World Cup campaign opener
"We're in the World Cup so every team will be difficult. Probably the other team has more experience than we do but what makes us different is the energy that we have. We bring a lot of good vibes to the table and energy," the Spaniard said through an interpreter.
World No. 6 Argentina and Poland tangle in the first fixture at 6 p.m. with solo lead at six points.
In other results, reigning Asian champion and fifth-ranked Japan clobbered No. 21 New Zealand, 6-0, in Group C while No. 2 Spain and No. 8 Colombia outclassed No. 4 Thailand, 5-2, and No. 74 Canada, 2-0, respectively, in Group B.