The Philippine women’s national football team will open its FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 campaign against Switzerland La Nati in New Zealand.
“Switzerland is another highly-quality team. Right off the bat, we know they’re going to be very good,” said Sarina Bolden, one of the Filipinas’ star players, in an interview with FIFA +.
The Filipinas will have the La Nati side as their first opponents on July 21 at the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.
Bolden, who has recently joined the West Sydney Wanderers, has joined the Filipinas in their practices in Sydney.
The Ferns will be their next opponents on July 23 at the Wellington Regional Stadium in Wellington.
“They’re all very tough opponents. I’ll start with New Zealand because luckily we’ve had a little bit of experience against them,” added Bolden.
The Filipinas have learned of the strength of the Ferns when the took a 1-2 setback during a friendly.
Norway will be the Philippines’ last opponent in the group stage on July 30.
“And then Norway are former world champions. So that’s the one. Obviously that is probably going to be our toughest game of the group stage, but it’s going to be a really great opportunity to even play a team like that,” said Bolden.
The Filipinas’ pre-World Cup camp is ongoing at the Western Sydney Wanderers Complex.
Veterans like co-captains Hali Long and Tahnai Annis are among the players listed, along with mainstays Olivia McDaniel and Inna Palacios.