With eight months left, another layer of excitement is added for the Philippines' first-ever hosting of a major FIFA event, with the inaugural Women’s Futsal World Cup coming to the country.
“Modern, vibrant, colorful.”
This is where the words Director of FIFA Tournaments Jaime Yarza used to describe the official logo of the inaugural FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup, which will be held in the Philippines later this year.
Yarza, alongside Philippine Football Federation (PFF) President John Gutierrez and women’s national futsal team member Shai del Campo, were present in the unveiling ceremony of the tournament's official logo at the Manila House in Metropolitan Manila, Tuesday, March 18.
“It was really a combination of cultural, color, and street arts of the Philippines together with the dynamics of futsal. We really wanted to convey a modern, vibrant colorful country like the Philippines into the brand,” Yarza told reporters.
According to the PFF, the emblem “has a distinctly Filipino flavour, fusing futsal’s key elements with references to local street art and motifs, Zamboanga vinta boats, the gabbang musical instrument and traditional binakol patterns.”
For the first time ever, the country will host a major FIFA event as the best and the brightest women’s futsal players will clash for global supremacy on November 21-December 7, 2025.
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As hosts, the Philippines automatically qualified for the tournament alongside New Zealand, with 14 spots still up for grabs. The 14 teams will be comprised of four more European representatives, three Asian teams, and a pair from Africa, North and Central America, and one Caribbean squad.
“I’m very excited that the World Cup is happening here and that’s a good opportunity for everyone to see the sport [of futsal],” del Campo said.
Yarza also elaborated how the inaugural FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup ended up in the Philippines, noting the rapid growth of the sport made it necessary to launch the global tournament here.
“Before the council decided to give [the hosting rights] to the Philippines, we recommended giving it to the Philippines. We are hoping that the World Cup will bring inspiration to all girls and women to play futsal and develop through sports,” said Yarza.
He added: “We are hoping that the brand will attract and inspire a lot of girls in the future.”
[With reports from Paolo Del Rosario/ One Sports]