Filipinas Advance To AFC Women’s Asian Cup Quarter-Finals In Dramatic Twist

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The Philippine women’s national football team secured an unexpected place in the quarterfinals of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 after results in Group C went their way. The Filipinas advanced as one of the best third-placed teams following Japan’s dominant victory over Vietnam.

The Japan women’s national football team defeated Vietnam women’s national football team, 4-0, during their group match at Perth Rectangular Stadium. The result allowed the Philippines to move ahead of Vietnam in the standings based on goal difference.

The Filipinas advance to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup quarterfinals after qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams. [AFC photo pool]

Both the Philippines and Uzbekistan women’s national football team finished with a minus-two goal difference, which was enough for them to advance among the tournament’s best third-placed teams. Vietnam ended its campaign with a minus-four goal difference and missed out on the knockout stage.

Filipinas advance to knockout stage

With the result, the Filipinas joined a strong quarterfinal lineup that includes South Korea women’s national football team, Australia women’s national football team, China women’s national football team, North Korea women’s national football team, Japan, and Chinese Taipei women’s national football team. The Philippines will now attempt to extend its run in one of Asia’s most competitive international women’s football tournaments.

The team’s campaign in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup continues to receive support from the Philippine Football Federation and the Philippine Sports Commission, which have backed the Filipinas’ preparations and participation in the regional championship.

Philippines faces Japan in quarterfinal clash

The Philippines will face Japan in the quarterfinals scheduled on March 15 in Sydney. The matchup will pit the Filipinas against one of Asia’s traditional football powerhouses as they try to keep their tournament hopes alive.

Japan enters the knockout round with momentum after its convincing win over Vietnam in the group stage. The Filipinas, meanwhile, will look to capitalize on their quarterfinal opportunity and continue their historic run in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.