Alessandrea “Alex” Carpio says the overwhelming support of Filipino fans helped the Philippines clinch a second consecutive Women’s World Cup berth.
The midfielder, a key figure for the Filipinas squad, recalled the boost in morale from fans during critical matches in the Asian Cup, including the win over Uzbekistan that sealed the World Cup spot. “We faced a lot of strong opposition … and we weren’t able to get the results that we might have wanted,” the 24-year-old US-raised player said. “But the unconditional support and love from the Filipino community uplifted our spirits. They say, ‘We’re so proud of you. We’ll be supporting you in the next games.’”
Carpio also drew parallels with tennis star Alexandra Eala, whose global following highlights the “Eala effect” of Filipino fans energizing their athletes. From the SEA Games in Thailand to the AFF tournament in Vietnam, Carpio and her teammates have consistently felt the presence of Filipino supporters, sometimes matching the home crowds in size.
Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup in Brazil, Carpio sees both pressure and opportunity. “There’s going to be pressure, playing in that environment and bringing the Filipino flag to the world stage,” she said. “But we’re also looking at it as an opportunity to inspire young athletes.”
The Filipinas aim to build on their historic first World Cup appearance in 2023, where they recorded their first goal and first win on the global stage, carrying both the pride and expectations of Filipino fans worldwide.
