Filipinas set for friendly vs World Cup co-host New Zealand

Filipinas in the AFF Women’s Championship 2022. –PFF PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–The Philippine women’s football team will face Fifa Women’s World Cup co-host New Zealand in a friendly match on September 6 in the United States as part of its schedule for the next international window.

Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president Nonong Araneta confirmed to the Inquirer on Wednesday the scheduled friendly in California, which was first announced by the New Zealand team on its social media accounts.

It will take place at Titan Stadium inside the campus of Cal State Fullerton which is located outside of Los Angeles.

Facing New Zealand, ranked 22nd in the world, will give the Philippines the need to beef itself up before next year’s World Cup.

The Filipinas are eyeing matches against higher-ranked nations in their bid to get a better pot placing when the World Cup draw takes place on October 23.

Jamaica and Uzbekistan are also floated as possible opponents in the November calendar.

A two-friendly series against No. 37 Costa Rica has been confirmed for October.

Another friendly is expected to be held for the window as coach Alen Stajcic side will see action for the first time since winning the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Women’s Championship at home last month.