Marcos congratulates Filipinas over historic World Cup win

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (PCO File Photo)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday congratulated the Philippine women’s national football team for securing its first win against co-host New Zealand at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

In a Twitter post, Marcos expressed elation over the Filipinas’ “momentous first-ever world cup win for the Philippines.”

“Mabuhay ang Filipinas (Long live, Filipinas)!” Marcos said. “Congratulations to our Philippine Women’s National Football Team on their historic triumph against New Zealand at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.”

Filipinas made a dramatic triumph at the FIFA Women’s World Cup on Tuesday with a remarkable 1-0 result over New Zealand at the Wellington Regional Stadium.

Marcos earlier wished the Filipinas the “best of luck” and urged them to “break barriers and inspire generations” in their scheduled group match against Switzerland on July 21.

Filipinas lost their first match against Switzerland but moved up to the group rankings by defeating New Zealand, 1-0, witnessed by a raucous hometown crowd.

The 22-strong women football team made its historic debut appearance in the prestigious FIFA World Cup after winning several qualifying matches progressing beyond their group stage in the Asian Cup in 2022.

Initially known as the “Malditas,” the team advanced further into the semifinals to qualify for the World Cup, marking the first time the Philippines participated in the global tournament in its 42-year history.

With Tuesday’s historic win, the Philippines moved up in their group ranking with the possibility of entering the qualifying matches, should they win over Norway by a large margin on July 30.