Thailand and the Philippines were eliminated from the 2025 Women's Futsal World Cup.
The Philippines lost to Argentina 1-5, and Thailand lost to Colombia 1-4 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig. Colombia advanced to the quarterfinals as runners-up in their group behind Spain; Japan was the only Asian representative to progress and will face Brazil.
Two Southeast Asian representatives, the Thai and Philippine women's futsal teams, were officially eliminated in the group stage of the 2025 Futsal World Cup after both losing in their final matches at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig. The Philippines lost 1-5 to Argentina in Group A, while Thailand suffered a 1-4 defeat against Colombia in Group B.
Philippines succumbs to Argentina's whirlwind start.
The match for the host nation Philippines was practically decided within the first seven minutes. Argentina scored five goals in quick succession, with strikes from Lara Villalba (2nd minute), Mailén Romero (4th minute), Luciana Natta (4th minute), Agostina Chiesa (7th minute), and Melina Quevedo (7th minute). The high tempo and ability to capitalize on opportunities in the opening stages left the Philippines with no time to organize their defense.
Isabella Bandoja scored a consolation goal in the 28th minute, but it was too late to change the outcome. Concluding the group stage, the Philippine women's futsal team failed to win any of their three matches (having previously lost to Morocco and Finland) and finished last in Group A.
Thailand tried hard but couldn't overcome Colombia.
In Group B, Thailand also failed to spring a surprise against a disciplined and efficient opponent. Colombia opened the scoring early through Diana Celis (4th minute), before Merlin Salcedo doubled the lead (8th minute). Thailand's efforts were rewarded with a goal from Arriya Saetoen (11th minute), bringing the first half to a 1-2 draw.
In the second half, Colombia continued to maintain pressure, with Salcedo completing his brace (23rd minute) before Danna Rodríguez sealed the 4-1 victory (35th minute). This result propelled Colombia into the quarterfinals as runners-up in the group behind Spain, while Thailand finished third in Group B with 3 points (having beaten Canada in the second match).
Highlights and selected statistics
- The first 7 minutes decided the match: Argentina scored 5 goals between the 2nd and 7th minute, creating an insurmountable deficit.
- Colombia's effectiveness: An early first-half goal and the decisive strikes in the 23rd and 35th minutes demonstrated their control of the game's tempo.
- Thailand earned 3 points after their victory over Canada in the second match, but it wasn't enough to secure a place in the top two of Group B.
Summary of the two decisive matches
| Match | Score | Goal scorer (minute) |
|---|---|---|
| Philippines vs Argentina (Group A) | 1-5 | Philippines: Isabella Bandoja (28') — Argentina: Lara Villalba (2'), Mailén Romero (4'), Luciana Natta (4'), Agostina Chiesa (7'), Melina Quevedo (7') |
| Thailand vs Colombia (Group B) | 1-4 | Thailand: Arriya Saetoen (11') — Colombia: Diana Celis (4'), Merlin Salcedo (8', 23'), Danna Rodríguez (35') |
Impact on the competition and the next steps.
With this result, Colombia advanced to the quarterfinals as the second-placed team in their group behind Spain. Japan was the only Asian representative to qualify, finishing second in Group C, and will face Brazil in the quarterfinals. After venturing into the wider world at the World Cup, both Thailand and the Philippines will return to focus on preparing for the 33rd SEA Games.
