The Philippines women’s national football team will be without veteran defender Angela Beard for the 2026 Asian Games after she was ruled out with an injury, coach Mark Torcaso confirmed.

The 29-year-old Beard was left out of the final Filipinas squad for the tournament, dealing a blow to the team as it prepares for a challenging Group G campaign against Uzbekistan, Hong Kong and China.

Beard, a defender by trade, had been listed as a forward for the Asian Games. Her versatility had made her a valuable option for Torcaso’s squad.

“Wishing the girls the best of luck for our Asian Games campaign. It's a shame I can't be there as it's another good mock World Cup type tournament to get the team locked into the style of play and playing group,” Beard told reporters.

The Filipinas open their Asian Games campaign against Uzbekistan on Sept. 14, before facing Hong Kong on Sept. 17 and China on Sept. 21.

The quarterfinals are scheduled for Sept. 25, followed by the semifinals on Sept. 29 and the final on Oct. 2.

Beard’s absence comes as the Philippines looks to use the Asian Games as another major test of its squad and playing style against some of Asia’s top teams.