'We want them to get annoyed, to get frustrated': How Filipinas coach Mark Torcaso plans to outlast rivals at the Asian Cup 2026

With just under 50 days to go before the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, Filipinas head coach Mark Torcaso, an Australian veteran and tactician from the A-League, shared in an interview how the Philippine women’s football team is preparing for the upcoming tournament.

'We want them to get annoyed, to get frustrated': How Filipinas coach Mark Torcaso plans to outlast rivals at the Asian Cup. (R) Philippine Head Coach Mark Torcaso and (L) Filipinas | Photos from Football Federation Australia

Key Points

• In only a few years, the Philippines has made history — from their debut at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023 to winning gold at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games, with the team continuing to rise in the region.
• With the opening match against the Matildas in Perth approaching, the Philippines is ready to compete and aim for another World Cup spot in Brazil 2027.
• Under head coach Mark Torcaso, the team is preparing for one of the biggest women’s football tournaments they will face.
• Torcaso believes other teams should be ready for what the Philippine women’s football team, led by Hali Long and Angela Beard, can deliver at the Asian Cup.

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'We want them to get annoyed, to get frustrated': How Filipinas coach Mark Torcaso plans to outlast rivals at the Asian Cup 2026

SBS Filipino

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