The Future FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup Could Find Its Home in Cebu City

The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) is currently deliberating on Cebu City as the potential host for the inaugural Futsal Women’s World Cup in November 2025. This declaration was conveyed by John Anthony Gutierrez, the president of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF), who disclosed that the Philippines prevailed in the bidding process, competing against six other countries including Lithuania, Spain, and Italy.

Gutierrez conducted a special visit to the Cebu City Hall to request assistance for the event, emphasizing the necessity for adequate football fields and facilities to accommodate the 16 participating countries. He expressed the aspiration to hold some of the matches, including eliminations, semi-finals, quarter-finals, and potentially the finals, in Cebu City, contingent upon securing a suitable venue.

The qualifying rounds for the World Cup are scheduled to take place in Cebu City next year, with the Philippine futsal team benefiting from automatic participation privileges as the host country. The selection of Cebu City as a potential host was attributed to the “healthy football community” in the area, as per Gutierrez.

Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia also voiced support for the event, emphasizing the city government’s readiness to host such a prestigious international sports competition. He underscored the city’s focus on sports tourism as part of its development agenda, acknowledging the opportunity to enhance Cebu’s tourism sector through events of this nature.

Garcia made a commitment to assist the organizers in securing a suitable venue for the tournament, highlighting the city’s proven track record as a host by referencing the upcoming Palarong Pambansa 2024 event set to take place in Cebu City.

The endorsement of Cebu City as a potential venue for the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup underscores the city’s reputation as a competent and accommodating host for international events, supported by a strong local backing and a commitment to leveraging sports as a catalyst for tourism and economic growth.