PHL vs Iran

Gold Coast, Queensland—The game of the Philippines against Iran will played under the amidst a backdrop of significant political tension on Sunday at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast, Australia.

With security expected to be tight during the match, the Philippine national women’s football just hopes to hurdle the Iranian Lionesses and make it past the group stage of the 2026 Asian Football Confederation(AFC) Women’s Asian Cup.

The Lionesses, meanwhile, seeks to make the most out of their situation when action takes place at 5 p.m. on Sunday (Manila time) at the Cbus Super Stadium in the suburbs of Robina.

“We’re playing against a tough opponent. We believe Iran will provide us with really good competition that they have provided in their last two games,” said Torcaso, on Saturday in a pre-match press conference.

The Philippine’s participation is supported by the Philippine Football Federation and the Philippine Sports Commission.

The Lionesses are competing while their home country is entangled in a major military conflict involving Israel and the United States, with the members of the squad aware of what is happening back home.

The Iranian will miss two injured players, who need to be rested following their losing games with South Korea and Australia.

“We have played two hard games against Australia and Korea. And we have a situation that is different from the qualification round. Here, the Philippines is a good team. We have analyzed their game. Now, we will try to show our best performance,” said Lioness coach Marziyeh Jafari.

Security will be increased during the game after the Queensland police took note of the presence of protesters outside the stadium last Thursday, according to local TV reports.

The Philippines need to be one of the two best-ranked third- placed teams in the group stage to make it to the playoffs.

The top two squads from each of the three groups will make the playoffs, with South Korea, with their 2-0 record, in Group A with host Australia, which dealt Iran a 4-0 beating, before an almost sellout crowd.

North Korea repulsed Bangladesh on Friday in Sydney to join China in getting slots in Group B.

Japan and Vietnam still determining their fate in Group C, with still unplayed games with Chinese-Taipei and India respectively Perth.

So far, India and the Philippines are fighting for qualification with Uzbekistan to become the two best-placed third placed teams in their bracket to reach the playoffs.

Philippine women's team (AFC photo pool)