Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women’s National Team) faced Australia in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup final on Saturday 21 March. A crowd of 74,397 packed Stadium Australia for an 8:00 pm kick-off.

Japan named an unchanged starting XI from the semi-final against Korea Republic. YAMASHITA Ayaka (Manchester City) started in goal, behind a back four of TAKAHASHI Hana (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Urawa Reds Ladies), KOGA Toko (Tottenham Hotspur), KUMAGAI Saki (London City Lionesses), and KITAGAWA Hikaru (Everton). NAGANO Fuka (Liverpool FC) anchored the midfield, with HASEGAWA Yui (Manchester City) and MIYAZAWA Hinata (Manchester United) operating ahead of her. In attack, FUJINO Aoba (Manchester City) lined up on the left, HAMANO Maika (Tottenham Hotspur) on the right, with UEKI Riko (West Ham United) leading the line.

Australia made a fast start, energised by the home support. Early on, Samantha KERR found herself with a clear chance, but Yamashita produced an excellent save to deny her. Japan responded with a high press and quick transitions, gradually increasing their possession while winning second balls.

Their pressure paid off in the 17th minute. Receiving a pass from Hasegawa, Hamano turned sharply outside the penalty area before unleashing a superb long-range strike into the bottom-right corner to give Japan the lead. Japan continued to threaten down both flanks, with Fujino and Hamano frequently switching sides to unsettle the defence. In midfield, Nagano worked tirelessly to regain possession and disrupt Australia’s counter-attacks. Although a misplaced pass briefly put Japan under pressure, the defence held firm as they went into the break with a 1–0 advantage.

Australia increased the intensity after the restart, utilising long balls and building attacks around Kerr. Japan, however, remained compact and disciplined, closing down spaces and limiting their opponents’ opportunities. In the 56th minute, Japan launched a swift counter-attack down the left, with Hamano threading a pass through to Ueki, who was denied by a fine save from goalkeeper Mackenzie ARNOLD.

Japan introduced MATSUKUBO Manaka (North Carolina Courage) in the 57th minute and CHIBA Remina (Eintracht Frankfurt) in the 75th, adding fresh energy and attacking impetus. Despite sustained pressure from Australia, Japan maintained their defensive organisation. In the 77th minute, a dangerous cross from the left created a moment of concern, but Kitagawa produced a crucial block. Five minutes later, MINAMI Moeka (Brighton & Hove Albion) and MORIYA Miyabi (Utah Royals) were introduced as Japan switched to a five-back system to further reinforce their defence.

In the closing stages, Australia launched wave after wave of attacks, particularly down Japan’s left flank. In the 89th minute, Alanna KENNEDY met a cross with a header, but Yamashita was equal to it, making another vital save. Japan withstood the late pressure to secure a hard-fought 1–0 victory.

At the awards ceremony, Ueki finished as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals, while Yamashita was named Best Goalkeeper. The triumph marked Japan’s third Asian title—and their first in two editions. As continental champions, they now turn their attention to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™.

Coach and Players' Comments

Nils NIELSEN, Head Coach of Nadeshiko Japan
As expected, it was a very tight and difficult match that could have gone either way. Australia have a squad full of world-class players, and it is never easy to play in front of such a large home crowd. There were moments when we struggled, particularly in aerial duels, and maintaining balance was not simple. However, I was pleased with how we tried to control the game, and the players remained focused until the very end. We also have world-class players, and I am proud to work with them. From here, we will review what needs improving and continue to grow ahead of next year’s World Cup.

GK #1 YAMASHITA Ayaka (Manchester City/England)
To be honest, with such a large crowd, it was difficult to hear anything, but the defensive line was extremely focused when dealing with crosses, so I wasn’t worried. We had some difficulties in the first half with long balls and our pressing, but we addressed those issues at half-time and improved in the second half. Towards the end, they pushed more tall players forward and it was a tough spell, but their final attempts were not especially difficult to deal with. I really felt the growth of our young attacking players throughout this tournament, and the fact that so many players scored reflects that development.

DF #5 TAKAHASHI Hana (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Urawa Reds Ladies)
My focus today was simply to give everything. The opposition had strong players out wide, and I was determined not to be beaten, so I approached the game aggressively from the start. There were moments when we came under pressure, but I enjoyed the intensity and competition. As a full-back, others may have greater pace or technical ability, but knowing that I am not as fast or as technically skilled, I focused on giving everything in each moment and showing my determination. For the late shot-block, I just threw myself in the way, hoping it would hit me. I believe our collective commitment and concentration right to the end made the difference.

MF #7 MIYAZAWA Hinata (Manchester United/England)
We knew it would not be an easy match against Australia, and it proved to be a very tough contest until the end. Scoring early allowed us to stay composed. In the closing stages, they committed more players forward and delivered direct balls with great intensity. Even then, we stayed compact, closed down central spaces, and defended together. The substitutes also understood their roles and made important contributions. Winning in a completely away atmosphere is a very valuable experience for us.

MF #14 HASEGAWA Yui (Manchester City/England)
We had the disappointment of the previous tournament in mind, so I am truly delighted that we could win together this time. It was also special to achieve this in front of such a large crowd. We needed to make some defensive adjustments in the first half, but we organised ourselves well after the break. I didn’t do anything special as captain, but it was a great honour to lift the trophy, and I am grateful to everyone. The substitutes prepared extremely well and came on with real determination. We are a strong team, and we want to keep improving and deliver results on the world stage.

MF #17 HAMANO Maika (Tottenham Hotspur/England)
I am truly proud to be part of this team. Playing in front of such a large crowd reminded me how special this stage is, and I did not feel nervous. For the goal, I focused on looking up as soon as I received the ball. It was a situation I was comfortable with, so I struck it with confidence. While I was pleased to score early, there was still a lot of time left, so it was more of a relief than joy. Moving forward, I want to keep improving every day and become a player who can help lead the team to victory at the World Cup.

FW #9 UEKI Riko (West Ham United/England)
I feel a great sense of relief to have won the title. I expected the stadium to be a sea of yellow, but we entered the match determined to fight together so that our supporters could go home happy. It was a difficult game, but I believe our ability to stay focused and keep running until the end made the difference. I am pleased to finish as top scorer, but those goals were only possible thanks to my teammates. While I am frustrated not to have taken all my chances, winning as a team is what matters most. Our ability to keep communicating and maintain concentration for the full 90 minutes is one of this team’s greatest strengths.

AFC Women's Asian Cup™ Australia 2026

Tournament Date: Sun. 1 March - Sat. 21 March 2026
Tournament information