For the first time in its history, the Philippines will host a major FIFA tournament—the inaugural edition of the FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup, scheduled from November 21 to December 5, 2025.
One for the Futsal’s History Books
The historic announcement was confirmed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino through a video message posted on social media in October 2024.
The milestone event is not only a first for the country but also a significant achievement for Southeast Asia, which will now stage only its second-ever FIFA women’s competition. The tournament will feature 16 nations from six continental confederations, with the host Philippines securing an automatic berth.
The group phase of the competition will be structured into four groups of four teams, with the top performers advancing to the knockout rounds. Participating countries include global futsal powerhouses such as Brazil, Spain, and Portugal, alongside regional contenders like Japan, Thailand, and New Zealand. Also joining the fray are Italy, Poland, Argentina, Colombia, Panama, Canada, Morocco, Tanzania, and IR Iran, reflecting a diverse and competitive field.
The announcement was officially made by FIFA during a Council meeting in Bangkok on May 15, 2024, cementing the Philippines’ role as the host nation for the inaugural tournament. Philippine Football Federation (PFF) President John Anthony Gutierrez expressed his pride and gratitude for the selection, describing it as a defining moment for the sport in the country.
“We are both humbled and honored by the faith and confidence that FIFA has placed in the Philippine Football Federation to stage a historic event not just for football and futsal, but for women’s sport as a whole,” Gutierrez stated.
Earned Not Given
The PFF has been laying the groundwork for this opportunity through consistent efforts in women’s football and futsal. Their developmental push began in earnest in 2022 and included grassroots programs, school-based initiatives, and local international tournaments aimed at promoting futsal, especially among young girls.
This investment has already borne fruit. The national women’s football team, known as the Filipinas, made history by qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in Australia and New Zealand, marking the country’s first appearance on that global stage. Now, the PFF hopes that hosting the futsal equivalent will have a similarly transformative effect.
“This is the first time the Philippines will stage a FIFA World Cup event of any kind,” Gutierrez emphasized. “We’re eager to work hand in hand with our local partners to deliver a tournament that will showcase Filipino hospitality, culture, and passion for the beautiful game.”
Beyond the excitement of the competition itself, organizers see the event as an opportunity to inspire the next generation of players, particularly young girls. With the sport gaining traction in schools and communities, the PFF aims to use the tournament’s momentum to expand its reach and elevate women’s participation in futsal nationwide.
Storm Before The Calm?
As the countdown begins to the 2025 FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup, preparations are already underway. For the Philippines, it represents more than a global sporting event—it’s a chance to cement its place on the world football map, champion the growth of women’s sports, and create lasting change through the power of futsal.
But based on the recent performance of Filipina5, can they change it by November?
It can be recalled that last May 2025, the Philippine Women’s Futsal Team weren’t able to record a win in the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup 2025 held at Hohhot Sports Centre in China.
They lost against Iran with a score of 0-1, versus Vietnam 0-3 and in their final game against Hong Kong, 3-7.
