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23 History Makers: The Faces Of The Philippines’ First Football World Cup Representatives

By Annika Caniza - July 11, 2023
These 23 names will forever be remembered in Philippine sports history as the first talents that represented the country at the football World Cup.

In the world of football, there is no stage more significant than the FIFA World Cup. Every player’s dream is to represent their country at this level, and every passionate football fan’s dream is to witness their national team qualify for one of the coveted slots.

As the first kick-off of the 2023 Women’s World Cup draws closer with every passing day, this dream will soon become a reality for the eight countries making their World Cup debut — including the Philippines.

Women’s football in the Philippines has been on a rapid rise over the last few years, and its growth will see a new dawn as the country’s Women’s National Football Team, better known as the Filipinas, will be competing in their first World Cup match on July 21 against Switzerland.

READ MORE: A Filipinas Fan’s Guide To Group A Of The 2023 Women’s World Cup

In the buildup to their highly anticipated debut, the Filipinas have also recently revealed their final roster, including the 23 chosen players who will be heading to New Zealand for the tournament. These faces represent the country’s best talents, and they each deserve recognition for the journey they are about to embark on.

These are the 23 Filipino talents who will be holding up the Philippine flag proudly at the 2023 Women’s World Cup:

Goalkeepers:

Kiara Fontanilla, 23

Philippines Representatives at the 2023 Women's World Cup: Kiara Fontanilla
(Photo credit: Pilipinas WNT on Instagram)

Kaiya Jota, 17

Philippines Representatives at the 2023 Women's World Cup: Kaiya Jota
(Photo credit: Pilipinas WNT on Instagram)

Olivia McDaniel, 25

Philippines Representatives at the 2023 Women's World Cup: Olivia McDaniel
(Photo credit: Pilipinas WNT on Instagram)

Defenders:

Alicia Barker, 25

Philippines Representatives at the 2023 Women's World Cup: Alicia Barker
(Photo credit: Pilipinas WNT on Instagram)

Angela Beard, 25

Philippines Representatives at the 2023 Women's World Cup: Angela Beard
(Photo credit: Pilipinas WNT on Instagram)

Reina Bonta, 24

Philippines Representatives at the 2023 Women's World Cup: Reina Bonta
(Photo credit: Pilipinas WNT on Instagram)

Malea Cesar, 19

Philippines Representatives at the 2023 Women's World Cup: Malea Cesar
(Photo credit: Pilipinas WNT on Instagram)

Jessika Cowart, 23

Philippines Representatives at the 2023 Women's World Cup: Jessika Cowart
(Photo credit: Pilipinas WNT on Instagram)

Sofia Harrison, 24

Philippines Representatives at the 2023 Women's World Cup: Sofia Harrison
(Photo credit: Pilipinas WNT on Instagram)

Hali Long (Co-Captain), 28

Philippines Representatives at the 2023 Women's World Cup: Hali Long
(Photo credit: Pilipinas WNT on Instagram)

Dominique Randle, 28

Philippines Representatives at the 2023 Women's World Cup: Dominique Randle
(Photo credit: Pilipinas WNT on Instagram)

Midfielders:

Tahnai Annis (Team Captain), 34

Philippines Representatives at the 2023 Women's World Cup: Tahnai Annis
(Photo credit: Pilipinas WNT on Instagram)

Ryley Bugay, 27

Philippines Representatives at the 2023 Women's World Cup: Ryley Bugay
(Photo credit: Pilipinas WNT on Instagram)

Anicka Castañeda, 23

Philippines Representatives at the 2023 Women's World Cup: Anicka Castañeda
(Photo credit: Pilipinas WNT on Instagram)

Sara Eggesvik, 26

Philippines Representatives at the 2023 Women's World Cup: Sara Eggesvik
(Photo credit: Pilipinas WNT on Instagram)

Quinley Quezada, 26

Philippines Representatives at the 2023 Women's World Cup: Quinley Quezada
(Photo credit: Pilipinas WNT on Instagram)

Jaclyn Sawicki, 30

Philippines Representatives at the 2023 Women's World Cup: Jaclyn Sawicki
(Photo credit: Pilipinas WNT on Instagram)

Forwards:

Sarina Bolden, 27

Philippines Representatives at the 2023 Women's World Cup: Sarina Bolden
(Photo credit: Pilipinas WNT on Instagram)

Isabella Flanigan, 18

Philippines Representatives at the 2023 Women's World Cup: Isabella Flanigan
(Photo credit: Pilipinas WNT on Instagram)

Carleigh Frilles, 21

Philippines Representatives at the 2023 Women's World Cup: Carleigh Frilles
(Photo credit: Pilipinas WNT on Instagram)

Katrina Guillou, 29

Philippines Representatives at the 2023 Women's World Cup: Katrina Guillou
(Photo credit: Pilipinas WNT on Instagram)

Chandler McDaniel, 25

Philippines Representatives at the 2023 Women's World Cup: Chandler McDaniel
(Photo credit: Pilipinas WNT on Instagram)

Meryll Serrano, 25

Philippines Representatives at the 2023 Women's World Cup: Meryll Serrano
(Photo credit: Pilipinas WNT on Instagram)

These are the 23 football players representing the Philippines in their first-ever World Cup, and they are all ready to make history for the country.

Are you ready to see them on the world stage? Catch the Filipinas’ first World Cup match on July 21.

Images from Pilipinas WNT on Instagram. Banner image from AFP.


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