MANILA – The Filipina5 have been drawn in Group A when it hosts the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup 2025 in November.
World no. 63 Philippines is in Group A with higher-ranked teams world no. 14 Poland, world no. 31 Morocco and world no. 6 Argentina.
The groups were announced in a draw ceremony held on Monday at the BGC Arts Centre in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
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Two-time FIFA Futsal World Cup champion Falcao, former Croatian futsal player Tihana Nemcic, Filipinas team captain Hali Long and Alas Pilipinas player Vanie Gandler took part in the ceremony.
The world's number two ranked team Spain are in Group B along with world no. 4 Thailand, world no. 8 Colombia and Canada.
Group C includes world no. 3 Portugal, Tanzania, world no. 5 Japan and world no. 21 New Zealand.
Eight-time South American champions and top-ranked team Brazil are in Group D with world no. 9 IR Iran, world no. 7 Italy and Panama.
Philippine Football Federation President John Gutierrez thanked FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the FIFA council for entrusting hosting duties to the country.
"Starting November 21st, Women's Futsal will shine on the global stage in the first ever FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup. We at the PFF are so honored to be part of this milestone," he said.
Gutierrez also expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio and Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino for their full support for the country's hosting.
"The FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup carries deep meaning, not only for Futsal, but also for the future of women's football and women's sports in the Philippines. For the young women in the country, Futsal is more than a sport. It's a pathway to play the beautiful game and also achieve an improved quality of life," he said.
"Together with FIFA, the PFF is committed in making this tournament an impactful one that showcases both sporting excellence and world-class Filipino hospitality.
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And while in the Philippines, we want you to experience the warmth and energy of the nation united in its love for futsal. In that spirit, we hope that it will, in return, inspire generation of young girls as part of the legacy of this tournament," Gutierrez added.
The PFF President is also hopeful the spirit of 'sama-sama' will contribute to the success of the tournament and growth of futsal in the Philippines.
In a video message, the FIFA President described the inaugural tournament is a 'game changer.'
"It finally gives the world's top women's futsal players the global stage that they deserve. But it will also shape the futsal players of tomorrow by inspiring so many young people, boys and girls, ensuring this vibrant sport continues to flourish in the region and all over the world," Infantino said.
"I know fans will have an unforgettable experience at the exciting matches we will see in the Philippines," he added.
Infantino likewise lauded the PFF for the development of football and futsal in the Philippines, citing his excitement to return to the country since 2019.
"Your country's incredible debut at the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023 and Sarina Bolden's historic goal during the final tournament certainly helped build the momentum. No doubt this tournament will see a new hero step forward to put her name in the history books and take a Filipino futsal to the next level," he said.
Ahead of the draw ceremony, the trophy was on display at the BGC Arts Center. According to FIFA, the trophy design "embodies the essence of futsal and its presentation marks a historic milestone for the women's game worldwide."
The FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup 2025 will run from November 21 to December 7, with games taking place in Pasig City, Metro Manila.
The Filipina5 will head to Japan for training camp this month. Coach Rafa Merino earlier said they have a 20-woman pool led by co-captains Inday Tolentino and Isabella Flanigan, which will be narrowed down to a 14-woman roster.
The Philippines will face Poland to open its campaign in the tournament.
The final will be held on December 7, where the winner will be the first team to lift the FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup trophy.