The Local Organizing Committee ensured the successful staging of the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup. Brazil defeated Portugal, 3-0, to claim victory at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Dec. 7, 2025. The country’s successful hosting revealed the heart of the Filipino spirit: shared pride, collective energy, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting women’s sports from the grassroots to the global stage, the organizers said in a statement on Monday (Jan. 5, 2026). (Contributed photo)
The Philippine Football Federation on Monday paid tribute to the hundreds of individuals whose dedication, passion, and quiet professionalism turned the 2025 FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup into a landmark success—not just for the Philippines, but for women’s futsal around the world.
In a statement, the federation expressed deep gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for the government’s steadfast backing, particularly through the Philippine Sports Commission led by Chairperson Patrick Gregorio.
“We commend and congratulate the 500-strong unsung heroes who made the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup 2025 a success. With you, we showed the world that Filipinos can host a truly world-class sporting event,” said PFF president John Gutierrez in a news release.
The PFF also acknowledged the tireless efforts of PSC personnel, government agencies, and the many committed and auxiliary workers who formed the backbone of the tournament.
The federation likewise recognized the support of the Philippine Olympic Committee under President Abraham Tolentino, as well as FIFA Council Member Mariano Araneta Jr., whose guidance helped ensure the tournament met international standards.
PFF general secretary Gelix Mercader, who supervised the Local Organizing Committee, underscored the scale of the collective effort behind the scenes. The LOC was composed of roughly 300 volunteers, 150 staff members, and 100 auxiliary personnel who worked across venues and operations.
“You are the true heroes of this World Cup. Thank you very much for your dedication, hard work, and perseverance,” Mercader said. “It was very humbling to host the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup—and even more humbling to see it succeed. We dedicate this to all the futsal and football players across the country who made this possible.”
Gutierrez served as chairperson of the LOC, with Mercader as its chief executive officer, supported by the PFF Executive Committee and key officials who handled government relations, tournament preparations, oversight, and match operations.
Their coordinated leadership, the federation noted, ensured that every aspect of the event aligned with global expectations.
“This World Cup was the result of collective leadership and shared accountability,” Gutierrez said. “Every decision was guided by our responsibility to deliver an event worthy of the global stage, while ensuring the prudent use of resources entrusted to us by the government. The discipline and professionalism shown by the LOC reflect the standards we intend to uphold as Philippine football continues to host and lead major international events.”