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Filipino-Australians show up for Filipinas at AFC Women's Asian Cup
GOLD COAST, Australia — Despite nonstop rains, Filipino-Australians showed an outpouring of support for the Filipinas, the Philippine Women's National Football Team, at their recent game against Iran at the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026.
Held at the CBUS stadium in the Gold Coast, Queensland, on March 8, International Women's Day, volunteers and fans cheered as the team secured their first win with a 2-0 score. The Philippines eventually qualified for the quarterfinals and will play against Japan in Sydney on March 15.
If they win, the Filipinas will advance to the semifinals and book an appearance at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 in Brazil.
However, they will be relegated to the play-in games if they lose.
Michelle Caliva brought her family to watch the game at the stadium. "My kids are avid soccer fans. They play it as well, so we could not miss this opportunity to watch the Philippine team play in Australia," she said.
Her older son Lance, who is in his second year at university, plays for a club, while her younger son Victor, who is in year 7, plays for both the school and a club. Originally from Manila, Caliva has been living in Australia for 15 years.
Jobelle Andres also watched the game with her family. "We always welcome the opportunity to show support to our country of origin's team. Our family loves watching sports games, and it is fortunate that the Philippines versus Iran game was held in the Gold Coast," Andres said.
Her family migrated to Australia almost 40 years ago, but they maintain close ties to the Philippines, especially their hometown in Bataan.
Shirley Nield, who was appointed Volunteer Captain for Queensland for the Philippine Community for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026, led several activities to show support to the Philippine team.
"With the support of the Gold Coast Filipino Australian Cultural Ensemble and the Filipino-Australian community in the Gold Coast, we also organized March to Match for the two games held here in the Gold Coast—on March 5 for the game against South Korea and on March 8 for the game versus Iran. We encourage the Filipino community to support the Filipino athletes. The win versus Iran last Sunday is very special because it was also International Women's Day. The win not only made our country proud but also highlighted women's achievements. We have come a long way," she said.
The March to Match started at Euphoria Espresso, a Filipino-owned cafe close to the CBUS Stadium where the games were held. Euphoria Espresso also ran a Filipino Meal Deal promo, offering a 15% discount on all purchases for volunteers and supporters of the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026.
"It was a five-minute walk from Euphoria Espresso to the stadium," Nield said.
"Giving back to the Philippines does not mean you have to go back home. You can be in Australia and still make a difference to Filipinos. We find the time to volunteer. You need to have the passion; you need to love volunteering. I'm also fortunate that my job as a nurse gives me flexibility—days off can be flexible."
A nurse by profession, Nield's spare time is filled with activities that help support the Filipino community and showcase the Filipino culture.
She is also the founding president of the Filipino Community Council of Queensland. Born in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Nield moved to Manila with her parents when she was five. She migrated to the United Kingdom in 1999 to work as a nurse. While living there, she met her husband and had two sons. Their family moved to Australia in 2009.
In Perth, Western Australia, on March 1, Philippine Ambassador to Australia Antonio Morales joined Filipino-Australian supporters in cheering on the Filipinas in their game versus the Matildas, the Australian team. The Filipinas lost to the Matildas, 0-1.
"Even in a tight match, the Filipinas displayed incredible skill and heart and are incredibly inspiring," said Morales in a statement. "Their performance stands as a testament to the talent, strength, and courage of Filipino women."
The Filipino community in Perth also organized a fan march from Burswood to Perth Stadium, led by Honorary Consul Melissa Aguasa, drawing dozens of supporters eager to cheer on the team.
At the Philippine Embassy in Canberra, a solidarity watch party led by Consul General Sheila Tario was also held.
Morales and Philippine Consulate Queensland Consul Sheryll Gabutero also extended their support to the Philippine team and met with Filipino community leaders and members in the Gold Coast on March 4. —VBL, GMA Integrated News
