PERTH, Western Australia — Under a bright, summery Scarborough Beach sky, Philippine national women’s football team head coach Mark Torcaso spoke with optimism and conviction on Friday as the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Trophy Road Tour made its vibrant stop in Perth.
The event drew an impressive lineup of football and government leaders, underscoring the scale of anticipation for next year’s continental showpiece. Western Australia Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti headlined the local delegation, welcoming the trophy to Perth and highlighting WA’s growing role as a hub for major international sporting events.
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Joining her was Sara Walsh, president of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Local Organising Committee and former Matildas star, who spoke passionately about the tournament’s mission to elevate women’s football across Asia and Oceania.
Walsh praised the Filipinas’ rise as “one of the most inspiring stories in Asian football,” drawing cheers from Filipino fans lining the beachfront.
Representatives from Football Australia, Tourism WA, and the City of Stirling were also present, adding to the celebratory atmosphere as the trophy glistened against the Indian Ocean backdrop.
Torcaso on Growth, Gold, and the Filipinas’ New Wave
In his interview with Philippines News Perth, Torcaso reflected on the Philippines’ rapid ascent in women’s football — momentum punctuated by their historic Southeast Asian Games gold medal, where they dethroned Vietnam in a landmark victory.
“That SEA Games win showed what belief and structure can do,” Torcaso said. “It’s a sign of where Philippine women’s football is heading.”
He confirmed that he intends to bring emerging talents from the SEA Games squad into the AFC Asian Cup lineup, specifically naming Mallie Ramirez and Alexa Pino. He also revealed that three new recruits will join the pool, though he declined to name them, hinting only that they bring “fresh hunger and dynamism.”
During the trophy reveal, Torcaso was asked if he would pose hugging the encased silverware. With a playful grin, he declined.
“I’ll hug it when we win it,” he said.
Shortly after the event, Torcaso flew directly to Manila to resume preparations with the Filipinas.
The Filipinas face a blockbuster opening assignment against the host Australia on March 1 at Perth Stadium, the tournament’s curtain?'raiser.
The match will follow a grand opening ceremony featuring global pop artist Audrey Nuna, who will perform before kickoff and again at halftime. A near?'capacity crowd is expected, with the Matildas playing on home soil and the Filipinas entering as one of Asia’s fastest rising teams.
The Philippines is grouped with Australia, Korea Republic, and Iran — a challenging but opportunity?'rich bracket.
Torcaso’s message in Perth was clear: the Filipinas are no longer outsiders. They are competitors with ambition, identity, and a growing pool of talent.
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