Filipina Mallie Ramirez battles for possession against Iranian Itefeh Imani in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Asian Cup at the Cbus Super Stadium in Queensland, Australia on Sunday (March 8, 2026). The Philippines won, 2-0, to remain in the hunt for a playoff seat. (AFC photo)
The Philippine women’s national football team kept its hopes of advancing in the ongoing AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia alive after a composed 2–0 victory over the Iranian Lionesses in their final group-stage match Sunday at Cbus Super Stadium in Queensland.
Head coach Mark Torcaso remained hopeful that the Filipinas’ performance would be enough to secure a place in the knockout stage as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
“We are praying and hoping that a few goals is enough for us to make it out of the group,” Torcaso said in a news release Monday.
The win allowed the Filipinas to close the group phase with a 1-0-2 record, keeping their playoff aspirations intact while handing Iran its third straight defeat of the tournament. Iran struggled throughout the match, also missing two players who sustained injuries in earlier games against South Korea’s Taeguk Ladies and host nation Australia’s Matildas.
Meanwhile, several teams have already secured their places in the next round. South Korea and Australia advanced from Group A, while North Korea and China moved on from Group B. Japan also confirmed its progression after topping Group C.
The race for the remaining playoff slots, however, remains tight. Chinese Taipei strengthened its chances after edging Vietnam, 1–0, while Vietnam and Uzbekistan continue to contend for the two available spots for the best third-placed teams. Uzbekistan still has one group match remaining against Bangladesh, a result that could ultimately determine the Filipinas’ fate in the tournament.
For now, the Philippine squad can only wait and hope that their victory over Iran proves enough to extend their campaign on the continental stage.