The Philippine women's national football team in action against China in the group stage of the 2026 Asian Games, September 21, 2026 at the Gifu Nagaragawa Stadium. PFF-PWNFT via POC Media
The Philippine women's national football team absorbed a 5-1 defeat to powerhouse China to close out their campaign in the group stage of the 2026 Asian Games, Monday at the Gifu Nagaragawa Stadium.
The Filipinas entered the match already assured of a place in the quarterfinals, thanks to a draw against Uzbekistan and a win over Hong Kong.
They were still seeking a favorable result against world No. 16 China, however, in the hopes of topping Group G and securing a better seeding in the knockout phase.
But China was quick to display its quality, dominating possession in the early goings before Wang Yanwen opened the scoring in the 20th minute. She added another 20 minutes later, giving China a 2-0 lead at the break.
Chen Qiaozhu added a third just four minutes after the restart, and Wang completed her hattrick in the 54th for a 4-0 advantage for China.
The Philippines showed some signs of life after China's fourth goal, with Mallie Ramirez forcing a tough save against Xiao Zitong in the 56th.
Their persistence was rewarded in the 65th minute, when Katrina Guillou's corner was deflected in by Skye Leach.
The breakthrough appeared to fuel the Filipinas, who attacked with more aggression and came close to a second goal just four minutes later, when Sofia Wunsch fired a volley wide.
Alessandrea Carpio very nearly gave the Philippines its second goal in the 77th minute, but her point-blank header was pushed out by the Chinese 'keeper.
Leach's goal turned out to be the highlight of the match for the Filipinas, however, as China added a fifth goal in extra time courtesy of Yuan Cong, after a poor defensive clearance.
The Filipinas' result, combined with Uzbekistan's 2-1 win over Hong Kong in their own final group stage assignment, meant that the Philippines finished as the third-ranked team in Group G.
They will play the No. 1 team in Group E in the knockout — either host nation Japan or Chinese Taipei.