Japan, who defeated South Korea 2-1 in the semifinals of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, will face Australia in the final.
Published March 18, 2026
Riko Ueki and Maika Hamano scored first-half goals as Japan defeated South Korea 4-1, putting them on track to qualify for the Women’s Asian Cup final against Australia.
Japan faced South Korea’s lineup in the semi-finals at Sydney’s Stadium Australia on Wednesday, with both teams finishing with two wins and one draw, defeating Australia on goal difference in the group stage.
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Japan appeared to have a 3-0 lead before halftime with Fujino Aoba’s goal in the 43rd minute, but the goal was disallowed by VAR review.
Japan, Asia’s top team ranked seventh on the FIFA list, increased its tally in the continental championship to 27 goals when veteran defender Saki Kumagai headed home Momoko Tanigawa’s swinging corner kick in the 75th minute.
Nadeshiko finally conceded their first goal of the tournament in the 78th minute when Kang Chae-rim turned around and hit a right-footed shot from close range.
In the 81st inning, Chiba Remina restored the three-goal buffer with a powerful blow to make it 4-1.
The final will be held in Sydney on Saturday.
Japan defeated Australia in consecutive finals in 2014 and 2018, but neither team made it to the championship match in 2022, with China defeating South Korea in the final.
Since joining the Asian Confederation, Australia has advanced to the championship game four times, but won the title only once, in 2010. Japan lost in the final four times, but won the title for the first time in 2014.
Japan is the only Asian team to win the Women’s World Cup, defeating the United States on penalties in the 2011 final.
Sam Kerr scored the winning goal in the 58th minute to give Australia a 2-1 victory in the first semi-final game against defending champions China. Two years after losing in the World Cup semi-finals on home soil.
All four semi-finalists now automatically qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
In the playoffs for Brazil’s remaining two spots on Thursday, Taiwan will play North Korea and the Philippines will play Uzbekistan on the Gold Coast.
