The Philippines is preparing to host the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup 2025™, marking a historic milestone for the country and the sport. As the first-ever FIFA tournament to be held in the Philippines, this event represents a significant opportunity for the growth of futsal not only in the nation but across the region.
The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) is already in full swing with preparations. A delegation of five key officials from the Local Organising Committee (LOC), led by Angelico Mercader, PFF Secretary General, attended the FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024™ to observe the operations and logistics behind organizing a tournament of such scale. Other members of the delegation included Aurelio San Agustín, LOC Director for the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup 2025™, and heads from marketing, competition, and general operations.
“This is an incredibly important milestone for us. We are honored to host the first FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup, and we view this as both an opportunity and a responsibility to promote the sport in our country,” Mercader emphasized.
The country has made strides in developing futsal, particularly among women, through national programs such as the Palarong Pambansa, which features girls’ futsal competitions. Mercader also highlighted the contributions of the Henry V. Moran Foundation, which has launched initiatives like the Liga Eskwela (School League) and the High 5 Futsal Tournament. These efforts have greatly contributed to the sport’s development, with some players expected to join the national team.
The experience in Uzbekistan provided the LOC with valuable insights into the intricacies of hosting a world-class event. San Agustín remarked, “The challenge is to replicate what we’ve seen here, but with the lessons we’ve learned, we are more confident than ever.”
FIFA’s Head of Olympic, Futsal & Beach Soccer, Kasra Haghighi, affirmed FIFA’s commitment to making football truly global. He expressed excitement about bringing the Women’s Futsal World Cup to the Philippines, noting that this will leave a lasting legacy on the country’s sports infrastructure and inspire future generations.
As the Philippines gears up for 2025, the event promises to be a memorable experience, showcasing the best futsal teams in the world and leaving a positive impact on the sport’s development in the region.