Asian Games 2026: Filipinas football roster, what to know

Filipinas at the Asian Games 2026. PHOTOS: Philippine Football Federation/Philippine Women’s National Football Team

MANILA, Philippines–The Philippine women’s football team is making a second straight Asian Games appearance, aiming for a bigger goal and a stepping stone ahead of next year’s Fifa World Cup.

READ: Follow Inquirer Sports’ special coverage of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026

Several youngsters have been added in lieu of the absence of key veterans for the Filipinas, who three years ago reached the quarterfinals in their maiden Asiad stint.

When and where will the Asian Games women’s football be played?

The women’s football competitions kick off on Sept. 14 to Oct. 2 in the cities of Fukuroi, Osaka, Gifu and Kariya.

What is the Filipinas Asian Games schedule?

The Filipinas are in Group G with China, Uzbekistan and Hong Kong and will play all of their group stage matches in Gifu at Nagaragawa Stadium.

September 14, Monday

• 12 noon vs Uzbekistan

September 17, Thursday

• 6 p.m. vs Hong Kong

September 21, Monday

• 3 p.m. vs China

What is the format for the women’s football competitions?

Each of the top two teams from the three groups plus the two best third-placers will advance to the knockout stage. The quarterfinals are set on Sept. 25, semifinals are on Sept. 29 and the medal-round matches are on Oct. 2. Fukuroi will host the semis and finals.

How familiar are the Filipinas with their opponents?

The Filipinas have faced Uzbekistan and Hong Kong recently. The Filipinas beat Uzbekistan, 2-0, in a play-in round at the Asian Cup in Australia to book their place in the 2027 World Cup. They also battled to a 2-2 draw in a friendly in October 2025 at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

The Filipinas’ most recent match with Hong Kong was a 1-0 win in July 2025 at the Asian Cup Qualifiers in Cambodia, while they have not faced China since losing 3-0 in the 2018 Asian Cup in Jordan.

Who is in the Filipinas roster for the Asian Games?

Hali Long —PFF PHOTO

Team captain Hali Long and goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel headline the squad list for the Asian Games. The complete names on the updated list of athletes on the Philippine delegation are as follows:

• Reina Bonta
• Leah Bradley
• Alessandrea Carpio
• Natalie Collins
• Jourdyn Curran
• Janly Fontamillas
• Carleigh Frilles
• Katrina Guillou
• Kaya Hawkinson
• Skye Leach
• Charisa Lemoran
• Hali Long
• Olivia McDaniel
• Nina Meollo
• Megan Jane Murray
• Azumi Oka
• Bella Pasion
• Camryn Elizabeth Penn
• Mallie Ramirez
• Jaclyn Sawicki
• Aiselyn Sia
• Dionesa Tolentin
• Sofia Wunsch

Who are the notable absences from the Asian Games squad?

Sara Eggesvik, Chandler McDaniel, Jessika Cowart, Jael-Marie Guy and Angela Beard are not part of the Asian Games squad for various reasons. Of the five, Eggesvik and McDaniel are unavailable due to club commitments overseas while Beard was a late scratch due to a minor injury, according to coach Mark Torcaso.

How did the Filipinas perform in the last Asian Games?

FILE–Filipinas at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.–PFF PHOTO

The Philippines reached the quarterfinals in the pandemic-delayed 2022 edition held three years ago in China by virtue of being three of the best second placers among the four groups. The Filipinas were eliminated in the quarterfinals by eventual champion Japan, 8-1. It was the first time the Filipinas ever competed in the Asian Games.

Why is this year’s Asian Games held of high importance for the Filipinas?

The Filipinas are also using the Asian Games as preparation for next year’s Fifa Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Torcaso said the competition is also being used to expose his players to high-level matches, which he’ll use as one of the gauges for selection before the World Cup.

Who are the other teams competing in the Asian Games women’s football?

Japan is in Group E with Chinese-Taipei, Vietnam and Thailand while Group F has South Korea, North Korea, Bangladesh and Myanmar.