With women's football title defended, Rebosura sets sights on Futsal World Cup

c/o UAAP

From humble beginnings on the indoor court of Payatas to the grand stage of the UAAP, Regine Rebosura’s college football career ended on the highest note possible—just before she stepped onto the world’s biggest futsal stage.

Rebosura, who came in as a second-half substitute, scored in the 90+3rd minute to seal Far Eastern University’s 2-0 win over De La Salle University in the final of the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Football Tournament last Saturday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.

Her goal helped the Lady Tamaraws complete a perfect campaign and claim their fourth consecutive championship.

If that wasn’t enough, she also earned the Best Midfielder award—her second time receiving the honor after previously claiming it in Season 85.

Known for making the most of every opportunity to shine, Rebosura reflected on the daily challenges that made her triumph even more fulfilling.

“Sobrang saya,” said the 24-year-old from Quezon City. “Sobrang worth it lahat kase napag-manage namin kasabay ng academics namin. Training sa morning, gym sa hapon — yung pagod namin sobrang worth it.”

What made Rebosura’s happy ending even more remarkable was that she had spent time away from her FEU teammates while preparing in Spain with the Philippine Women’s National Futsal Team for the 2025 FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup.

Moreover, the night before the UAAP final, her name was confirmed among the 14 players who would represent the country in the inaugural World Cup edition on home soil. She initially struggled to compose herself, but ultimately focused on making up for lost time.

“Para sakin, yung second half medyo nag-a-adjust ako,” said the newly crowned four-time champion. “Medyo kinakabahan kasi galing po ako Spain. Mahirap mag-adjust. Alam ko sa sarili ko kaya ko pa and then pinangako ko sa mga teammates and mga coaches ko na kaya kong bumawi.”

Rebosura’s journey has been remarkable; she could not have imagined that kicking a ball on a simple court would be the first step toward four UAAP championships, crucial goals across three finals, and two individual awards.

Yet, there could be no greater validation of her versatility, hard work, and talent than her inclusion as the only collegiate player in the final Filipina5 squad for the World Cup.

The Filipina5 are grouped with Poland (November 21), Morocco (November 24), and Argentina (November 27), with the top two teams in each of the four pools advancing to the knockout stage.

As an underdog throughout her life, Rebosura hopes the nationals will surprise their opponents.

She is now calling on local fans to rally behind her and her teammates as they prepare for a historic homecourt debut.

“Yun po lumabas na po yung final 14,” she said. “Kasama po ako sa list na maglalaro po sa World Cup. Suportahan nyo po kami maglaro from November 21. Dito po gaganapin.”

PFF counting on government support for successful FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup hosting

FIFA Council Member Mariano V. Araneta, Philippine Sports Commision Chairman Patrick Gregorio, Philippine Football Federation President John Anthony Gutierrez (c/o the PFF)

In addressing those present during the FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup draw last September 15 at the BGC Arts Center, Philippine Football Federation President John Gutierrez expressed his gratitude to the Philippine government for their support for the competition.

Gutierrez says, "Together with FIFA Council Member Mariano V. Araneta, we at the Philippine Football Federation are very grateful to the Philippine Government for making the hosting of the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup 2025 possible. We thank his Excellency President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for believing in the legacy that this hosting will bring to our country; Philippine Sports Commission, especially its Chair, Mr. Patrick Gregorio, for the pro-active support and championing this event as a major boost in sports tourism, and Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino for his endorsement,.  Without this, the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup Philippines 2025 would probably be just a dream."

This was made possible through Administration Order No. 35, which Marcos Jr. authorizes the the establishment of an Inter-Agency Task Force that would ensure a successful hosting of FFWWC 2025, under the leadership of the PSC. Said task force will be responsible for coordinating the efforts of the various government agencies, local government units, and private stakeholders involved in the planning, organization, and implementation of the inaugural edition of the tournament.

Gutierrez very much appreciates the efforts of the PSC in leading the task force. He says, "I cannot emphasize enough the crucial part that PSC and Chair Patrick Gregorio play in our country’s hosting of the FFWWC. Their support has been key to bringing a world-class international tournament that is the FFWWC."

The recently-concluded draw was the latest major endeavour of the task force, which drew attendance from FIFA officials, representatives from the sixteen participating nations, members of the media, as well as the special guests for the occasion, Hali Long, Vanie Gandler, Croatia women's national futsal team head coach, Tihana Nemčić Bojić, and Brazilian futsal legend Falcão.

Whilst FIFA President Gianni Infantino was unable to make it to Manila, a recorded video from him was played, highlighting the federation's role as the football association that landed the bid to host the inaugural edition of the FFWWC, and reiterated the importance of the competition in developing futsal and football in the region, particularly the Philippines.

He says, "The first-ever FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup is truly a game-changer. It finally gives the world’s top women’s futsal players the global stage that they deserve. But it will also shape the futsal players of tomorrow by inspiring so many young people. Led by PFF President, my friend, John Gutierrez, as well as former PFF President and current FIFA Council Member, my friend, as well, Mariano Araneta, in a true team effort that has led to this proud day (of the draw ceremony) for you all and for us all."

Infantino adds that he will be in the country for the competition, and says in his words, "celebrate this hugely significant step for your country and for us all."

Trophy for FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup revealed

The FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup trophy

As the draw for the inaugural edition of the FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup creeps closer, FIFA on Friday revealed the trophy that sixteen nations will be going after for in the Philippines.

The global football entity crafted the design in-house, the trophy, according to them, "encapsulates the energy, precision and creativity of the women’s game." It is set to inspire players and fans alike as it set to take place starting late November.

Taking certain elements from its male counterpart, but it is to have its own personal identity. This piece "embodies the essence of futsal, a high-speed, skill-focused sport." It features two converging bars in gold and silver, symbolizing unity and competition, on a stylised futsal pitch. The curves echo the dynamic flow of the game, underscoring the technical finesse, ball control and teamwork that define elite futsal.

The upcoming ceremony will be the first chance the world will be able to actually see the trophy, which is scheduled to take place inside Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, with the program scheduled to commence at 5pm local time and will be streamed through FIFA.com, as well as through its app, FIFA+.

Hosted by sports presenter Mara Aquino, FIFA representatives, sporting legends, and dignitaries will be around for the proceedings, which will see the teams split into four groups.

All sixteen teams have been allocated into four pots based the latest FIFA Futsal Women's World Rankings released back in late August, save for the Philippines, who has been already slotted into Pot 1 as hosts.

Joining the Filipina5 in the Pot are perceived favorites Brazil, Spain, and Portugal.

Asian contenders Thailand and Japan lead Pot 2, alongside Argentina and Italy.

Meanwhile in Pot 3, Iran will be fielding their first women's team at this level of competition, with Colombia, Poland, and New Zealand.

Completing the field in Pot 4 are Morocco, Canada, Panama, and Tanzania, whose team here will the first time any of their senior sides have reached at this high in the world stage.

Pot 1 teams will be drawn first, with the Philippines automatically designated into Group A as A1. Subsequent teams will then be selected and allocated into the three remaining groups, before restarting the process in the next pot, until all teams have been selected.

FIFA prefers to have as much as possible a diverse group, so it will ensure that no team from the same confederation will be in each group.

The FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup will take place at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City, starting on November 21 and ending on December 7, and fans can already pre-register their interest in securing tickets through FIFA.com/tickets.

Pasig, Victorias named as FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup Philippines 2025 host cities

The two host cities of the FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup Philippines 2025

It was announced on Friday that two cities will be the venues for the upcoming FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup Philippines 2025™.

The cities of Pasig in the National Capital Region, and Victorias in Negros Occidental will serve as the Host Cities for the inaugural edition of the competition, set to take place in late November, as revealed by FIFA and the tournament's Local Organizing Committee.

Philippine Football Federation president John Anthony Gutierrez shares, "We are extremely proud of this milestone and we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the local governments of Pasig City and Victorias City for their invaluable support in providing a truly unforgettable experience for the participating teams, the fans and the Filipino community."

On FIFA's end, Director of Tournaments Jaime Yarza says, "We are confident that, in collaboration with both Host Cities, we will deliver a tournament that meets the highest standards in terms of facilities and services and offers the players and fans a top-class experience."

Yarza also adds, "We also aim to leave a tangible legacy within the Philippines, improving the futsal infrastructure in the country – starting in these two cities – and encouraging new players to take up the game."

FIFA representatives made visits to both cities in recent months, checking on the infrastructure, accessibility, and accomodation capacity. With both cities having a track record for successfully hosting both sports and cultural events, making it ideal to host this groundbreaking endeavor.

In addition, the existence of active grassroots programmes in the area proved to be a key element in the selection process, which is in line with FIFA's long-term goals for the development of futsal and the promotion of women's football.

As noted by FIFA Chief Women's Football Officer Dame Sarai Bareman, "World Cups are among the most powerful forces we have to grow our sport, and the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup is another exciting step in that journey. It’s a chance to inspire more girls and women around the world to play futsal."

Competition is set to commence on November 21, with the inaugural champion to be crowned on December 7. The sixteen-team field has already been formalized with the conclusion of the qualifying rounds, with these countries joining the Philippines in the affair: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, IR Iran, Italy, Japan, Morocco, New Zealand, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Tanzania and Thailand.

Philippine preparations for the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup 2025 hosting have commenced

L-R:  FIFA Futsal Manager Laura Cuscó, Director FIFA Tournaments Jaime Yarza, Philippine Football Federation President John Anthony Gutierrez, FIFA Head of Olympics and Futsal and Beach Soccer Kasra Haghighi

The preparations for the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup 2025™️ to be held in the Philippines have begun! The FIFA Tournament Team was in Manila during the second week of June to meet with the Philippine Football Federation and lay the groundwork.

 The Philippines was chosen as the host nation of the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup last May 15, 2024. The announcement was made at the 74th FIFA Congress that was held in Bangkok, Thailand.

FIFA Director of Tournaments Jaime Yarza disclosed on Friday that the Philippines "is one of the top contenders" in hosting the Futsal Women's World Cup. 

According to Yarza, the other countries that had submitted their bid were Brazil, Spain, and Italy. 

The Philippines' hosting rights were "based mostly about the exceptional work done by the Philippine Football Federation to promote football and futsal and the growing tendency of Filipino girls and kids to play futsal, which I would say were the key elements of giving it to the Philippines," Yarza explained on Friday's presscon organized by PFF. 

"So, in the bidding process, the Philippines came on top of these six to seven nations bidding for the tournament," Yarza added. 

 The Philippines automatically has a slot as the host country. The remaining 15 slots will be filled by three countries each from the member-associations of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the South American Football Confederation CONMEBOL; two countries each from the member-associations of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf); one country from the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC); and four countries from the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA).

 According to the FIFA website, the proposed format will have the 16 teams drawn into groups of four. The two in each group will reach the knock-out phase, in which quarter-finals, semi-finals, a third place play-off and final will ensue.

 Director of FIFA Tournaments Jaime Yarza; FIFA’s Head of Olympics, Futsal and Beach Soccer Kasra Haghighi and Futsal Manager Laura Cuscó met with PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez, General Secretary Angelico Mercader and the PFF team to discuss initial preparations for the inaugural event. They also visited and inspected potential venues. 

 “We need to spread the word that FIFA has trusted us to hold one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world,” said PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez. “This is going to be the first FIFA Women's Futsal World Cup. The men have been successfully doing it for the past 35 years."

 The PFF has invested in all forms of women’s football, including futsal, and has yielded results with the Philippine National Women’s Football Team, the “Filipinas”, qualifying for the country’s first ever FIFA World Cup berth at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™️. Since 2022, the PFF has worked on the development of all forms of the women’s game, and organized and hosted a series of local international women’s futsal tournaments to build on the popularity of the modality of futsal among girls in local public schools and communities.  

 With the help of the Philippine government and the private sector, FIFA and the PFF envision the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2025 to not only boost the popularity of football and futsal in the country. 

“While other teams, other women are dreaming of an opportunity to play in a World Cup, the Philippines had already been listed as a participant. We are the first team to qualify," Gutierrez underscored. 

"This is no small achievement. We are where other women around the world are dreaming of. We have to take advantage of this. We are again given a magnificent opportunity to showcase Filipina talent around the world. We have to spread the word," Gutierrez emphasized. 

The PFF will soon be launching a Road to World Cup campaign to promote futsal across the country. A highlight of this initiative is a national futsal tournament from which potential women’s futsal national team players will be identified.

“We will enjoin the entire country to be part of this momentous and once-in-a-lifetime event. We will promote futsal in schools and communities as this will help us develop our football nationwide. Equally important, we want to discover and hone local talents that can represent our country as members of the national team, who will be a source of pride not just for their respective regions but for the entire country as well,” added Gutierrez.

Lastly, Gutierrez assured that "all Filipinas around the world will be given a chance" to play for the national futsal team.

"It will be a mix of Filipinos who play the game," Gutierrez said on the possible team composition. "But I would like to stress that everyone will be given the same chance and I encourage our locally-developed players to step up and show the world what the Philippine program and way of playing futsal can do."