Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women’s National Team) faced the Philippines, ranked 41st in the FIFA rankings, in the quarter-finals of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup on Sunday 15 March. The match kicked off at 4:00 pm at Stadium Australia in Sydney.

With four days’ rest following the Vietnam match, Japan made eight changes to the starting line-up and set up in a 4-3-3 formation.

HIRAO Chika (Granada CF) started in goal, with a back four of SHIMIZU Risa (Liverpool FC), KOGA Toko (Tottenham Hotspur), MINAMI Moeka (Brighton & Hove Albion), and MORIYA Miyabi (Utah Royals), from right to left. In midfield, HAYASHI Honoka (Everton) operated as the anchor behind HASEGAWA Yui (Manchester City) and MIYAZAWA Hinata (Manchester United). The front line featured FUJINO Aoba (Manchester City) on the left, SEIKE Kiko (Brighton & Hove Albion) on the right, and TANAKA Mina (Utah Royals) leading the attack.

Having earned her 100th cap against Vietnam, Tanaka was joined in reaching the milestone by Hasegawa in this match.

Japan dominated possession from the outset, pinning the Philippines deep inside their own half. Up against a side deploying a five-player back line, Japan fashioned early opportunities down the flanks. In the second minute, Seike darted in to meet a cross from Shimizu, and in the fourth minute Hasegawa threatened following a run from Fujino. However, resolute defending and several fine interventions from the Philippine goalkeeper denied Japan an early breakthrough.

Japan eventually found the opener in first-half stoppage time, when Tanaka reacted quickest to a loose ball following a corner to head home her first goal of the tournament. Just two minutes later, Hayashi delivered another corner, from which Koga rose at the near post to head in Japan’s second, giving her side a 2–0 lead at the interval.

At half-time, CHIBA Remina (Eintracht Frankfurt) and KITAGAWA Hikaru (Everton) were introduced. Japan continued to dictate the tempo after the restart, and in the 48th minute Chiba met a corner with a header to create another opportunity. In the 55th minute, TANIKAWA Momoko (Bayern Munich) and MATSUKUBO Manaka (North Carolina Courage) were brought on to provide further attacking impetus.

In the 65th minute, Fujino delivered a cross from the left, which Chiba slid in to convert at the far post for Japan’s third. Two minutes later, Matsukubo received a pass from Fujino, dribbled through a crowded area, and finished confidently to score her first international goal.

Hirao was replaced by OKUMA Akane (INAC Kobe Leonessa) in the 73rd minute. Japan extended their lead again in the 76th minute when Koga scored her second of the match following another corner to make it 5–0. Further goals followed from Tanikawa in the 86th minute and substitute UEKI Riko (West Ham United) in stoppage time. Japan completed a dominant 7–0 victory, preventing the Philippines from registering a single shot.

With the win, Nadeshiko Japan secured qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ for the 10th consecutive tournament. They will face Korea Republic in the semi-finals on Wednesday 18 March.

Coach and Players' Comments

Nils NIELSEN, Head Coach of Nadeshiko Japan
As expected, the Philippines were a disciplined side, and it was not an easy match until we found the opening goal. Once we took the lead, I felt we were able to play at our own tempo. I also sense that the players are becoming more willing to shoot when opportunities arise, which has contributed to our goals in this tournament. While we are pleased to have secured qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, we approach the AFC Women’s Asian Cup with great respect, and our focus remains firmly on winning the title. Against Korea Republic, rather than being overly concerned with the opposition, we want to concentrate on delivering a strong performance of our own.

DF #6 KOGA Toko (Tottenham Hotspur/England)
We anticipated that the Philippines would sit deep and defend compactly, so even when the goals were not forthcoming, we remained composed and continued to play our football. Scoring the opener towards the end of the first half was crucial, and it came at an excellent time to help us manage the game more effectively. We had not scored from set-pieces earlier in the tournament, so converting those opportunities today was a significant positive. It may also place added pressure on Korea Republic, our next opponents. While we are relieved to have secured qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, in the semi-final and final we want our defensive unit to continue keeping clean sheets and ensure we see matches out to victory.

MF #18 HAYASHI Honoka (Everton/England)
There was a long spell in the first half when we were unable to find the net, but we remained patient and continued to search for opportunities. Scoring before half-time made a significant difference. With the opposition defending deep, it was encouraging that we were able to make the most of our set-pieces. We have been working on varying our deliveries depending on the taker, and it was pleasing to see that come to fruition in a match. Personally, I focus on delivering low, quick, high-quality balls in training, and I want to continue refining that aspect of my game. Qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup was our initial objective, so it is satisfying that we achieved it, but from here our focus shifts to winning the title. We will prepare thoroughly as a team for the next match.

MF #20 MATSUKUBO Manaka (North Carolina Courage/USA)
I am absolutely delighted to have scored my first international goal. I did not feature in the group stage, and while I was pleased to see many of my team-mates deliver strong performances, I also felt a sense of frustration and impatience. That is why I am relieved to have contributed to the team with a goal. When I received the ball from Aoba (Fujino), I noticed a defender in front of me, but I chose not to overthink the situation and simply focused on striking the ball. I am glad it resulted in a goal. One of this team’s strengths is that we can win matches regardless of who is on the pitch, so I will continue to give everything to fulfil my role as we strive for the championship.

FW #25 CHIBA Remina (Eintracht Frankfurt/Germany)
I am very pleased to have scored my first goal of the tournament. Before the second half, Aoba (Fujino) and I had discussed executing that type of play, so it was rewarding to see it lead to a goal. I also spoke with Hikaru (Kitagawa), with whom I played on the same side, about how we could bring out the best in each other, and I felt positive about our combination play. With the national team, I am also taking on new responsibilities, such as playing at full-back, but the players around me help to maximise my strengths, and I truly feel supported by my team-mates. The intensity of our opponents will increase from here, but we train at a high level every day, so I want to approach the next match with confidence and continue to push towards winning the title.

AFC Women's Asian Cup™ Australia 2026

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