The Philippine women's national football team has captured the country's attention with their historic campaign in the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023.

Ahead of the global showcase in New Zealand and Australia, the Filipinas expressed hope that their remarkable rise would boost the sport, which has lagged behind basketball, volleyball and boxing in terms of popularity.

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In their first two group round matches, the Filipinas have exceeded all expectations and made history. They were competitive in a 2-0 loss to Sweden, the 20th ranked team in the world. And against New Zealand, the co-hosts, they pulled off a stunning 1-0 upset to stay in the race for a spot in the round-of-16.

The Filipinas' remarkable triumph over New Zealand was widely seen in watch parties all over Metro Manila, and the excitement for the team has only grown since then. Ahead of their final Group A game against Norway on Sunday, more watch parties have been organized in various malls all over the country.

Philippines coach Alen Stajcic is all for it.

"Welcome to the football party, welcome to the football family," said Stajcic. "It doesn't matter how long you take to get there, we'll embrace everyone."

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Stajcic, who has steered the Filipinas' rise from regional minnows to a World Cup team, noted that football "is a religion" in most countries -- and that New Zealand, Australia and the Philippines are three countries where football is not the No. 1 sport.

To see football reach new heights in the Philippines can only be a good thing for the coach.

"We'll welcome everyone, we'll embrace everyone. As we know, football is the universal sport where everyone can play, everyone can support and everyone can engage with the game," he said.

"You don't have to be 7-foot tall, you don't have to be tall, short, wide. It doesn't matter what color you are, it doesn't matter what religion you are. Everyone can play, and that's why the whole world loves the game, and that's why World Cups are so special in men's and women's football, 'cause it brings the whole world together," he added.

"Majority of the people around the world love it, because of that reason. So, about time. Should have more than 40 malls [with watch parties]."

• Watch parties complement Filipinas’ historic World Cup appearance

While they embrace the increased attention and hype from fans at home, the Filipinas are also enjoying great support from the local community in New Zealand.

Filipino fans have shown up in great numbers for both of their matches against Switzerland and New Zealand, and even their match against the co-hosts "felt like a home game," according to defender Jessika Cowart.

"They were so loud and so proud, and you feel it every time the national anthem is playing in there," she said. "It's been amazing to have them. So they bring that type of home game feeling every time we step out onto the pitch, and we're really grateful for it."

The Filipinas will play Norway at the Eden Park in Auckland on Sunday, hoping to receive a boost from another good-sized crowd. A victory over the European powerhouse will propel the Philippines to an appearance in the round-of-16.

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