The Philippines will host the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup next year.
Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president John Gutierrez made the announcement during a press conference at Citadines Bay City in Pasay City on Friday.
He was joined by FIFA director for tournaments Jaime Yarza, FIFA head of Olympics, Futsal and Beach Soccer Kasra Haghighi and futsal manager Laura Cusco.
“We are honored to host the 2025 Futsal Women’s World Cup. We are thankful to FIFA for trusting us to organize this prestigious event,” Gutierrez, who took over as PFF chief last year, said.
The Philippines was selected among six bidders that included Brazil, Spain and Italy.
“I am sure that the government will support us. We will be working hand-in-hand with government agencies to make our hosting a success,” Gutierrez.
added.
The schedule of the tournament is yet to be finalized.
The format will have 16 teams to be drawn into four groups. The top two teams in each group will advance to the knockout phase and eventually to the quarterfinals, semifinals, playoff for third place and final match.
The Philippines is already qualified as host and will join three teams from Asia.
The other qualifiers will come from Africa (1), Central, North America and Carribean (2), South America (3), Oceania (1) and Europe (4).
“The PFF’s exceptional work in the past, especially in developing women’s futsal, is a key element why the Philippines was chosen as host,” Yarza said.
FIFA officials and Gutierrez paid a courtesy call on Philippine Sports Commission chair Richard Bachmann in Manila on Thursday.
The FIFA officials also inspected various venues in Manila before leaving Friday. (PNA)
