Filipinas team captain Tahnai Annis and co-captain Hali Long will banner the 23-women roster for the country’s maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance in Australia and New Zealand.
The announcement comes after the Filipinas wrapped up their four-week camp in Sydney.
Goalkeepers Olivia McDaniel, Kiarra Fontanilla, and Kiaya Jota will be the players that will be in between the sticks for the Philippines.
Joining Long in the defender’s lineup are Alicia Barker, Angela Beard, Reina Bonta, Malea Cesar, Jessika Cowart, Sofia Harrison, and Dominique Randle.
Supporting Annis in the midfield are Ryley Bugay, Anicka Castañeda, Sara Eggesvik, Quinley Quezada, and Jaclyn Sawicki.
Sarina Bolden leads the forwards for Filipinas and joins Isabella Flanigan, Carleigh Frilles, Katrina Guillou, Chandler McDaniel, and Meryll Serrano.
Filipinas players Inna Palacios, Maya Alcantara, and Isabella Pasion will be the team’s reserves for the World Cup.
The Filipinas will leave for New Zealand on Monday to continue their World Cup training that will be capped with a friendly match with world No. 3 Sweden on 17 July.
Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta congratulated the players who will represent the Philippines in its first World Cup appearance.
“We congratulate the 23 players who were selected for the Philippines in the FIFA Women’s World Cup and express our gratitude to the players who have committed and sacrificed to make themselves available throughout the selection process,” Araneta said.
PFF general secretary Edwin Gastanes echoed Araneta’s sentiment, wishing the Filipinas the best of luck in New Zealand.
“We wish our team all the best as they head to New Zealand for the final days of their preparation, before the FIFA Women’s World Cup,” Gastanes said.
The Philippines will be based in New Zealand for the World Cup as they face Switzerland on 21 July, co-hosts New Zealand on 25 July in Wellington and Norway on 30 July in Auckland.
