Japan beat South Korea 4-1 to meet Australia in Women’s Asian Cup final

Japan will face Australia in the final of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup after beating South Korea 2-1 in the semifinal.

Riko Ueki and Maika Hamano scored first-half goals to set Japan on course for a 4-1 victory over South Korea and a spot in the Women’s Asian Cup final against Australia.

Japan dominated the semifinal on Wednesday at Sydney’s Stadium Australia against a South Korea lineup that edged the Australians on goal difference in the group stage after both teams finished with two wins and a draw apiece.

Japan thought they had gone ahead 3-0 before halftime with Aoba Fujino finding the back of the net in the 43rd minute, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review.

Asia’s top-ranked team at No 7 in the FIFA list, Japan increased their tally to 27 goals in the continental championship when veteran defender Saki Kumagai headed in from Momoko Tanikawa’s swinging corner kick in the 75th.

The Nadeshiko finally conceded a goal for the first time in the tournament when Kang Chae-rim turned and fired in a right-foot shot from close range in the 78th.