Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women’s National Team) faced Korea Republic in the semi-finals of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup on Wednesday 18 March.

With only a two-day turnaround following their quarter-final victory over the Philippines, Japan made seven changes to the starting line-up. 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). In midfield, NAGANO Fuka (Liverpool FC) operated as the holding midfielder, with HASEGAWA Yui (Manchester City) and MIYAZAWA Hinata (Manchester United) positioned ahead of her. FUJINO Aoba (Manchester City) and HAMANO Maika (Tottenham Hotspur) occupied the flanks, supporting UEKI Riko (West Ham United) in attack.

In front of a crowd of 17,367 at Stadium Australia in Sydney, Japan seized the initiative from the outset, applying pressure high up the pitch and controlling possession. Korea Republic set up in a back five during the first half, but Japan circulated the ball effectively as they searched for openings.

In the seventh minute, a well-worked move through the centre resulted in a shot from Takahashi, which was parried by the goalkeeper. Hasegawa reacted quickest to the rebound, but her effort went wide of the left post. Ueki threatened in the ninth minute, followed by Fujino in the 11th minute, as Japan continued to dictate the tempo.

The breakthrough came in the 15th minute, when Miyazawa and Ueki combined to press high and win possession, allowing Nagano to gather the loose ball before setting up Ueki’s opening goal.

Japan doubled their lead in the 26th minute when Hamano evaded two defenders on the right flank and fired a powerful effort into the near post, giving Japan a 2–0 lead at the interval.

Korea Republic increased their intensity after the restart, pressing higher up the pitch, but Japan remained composed in possession. In the 63rd minute, Ueki met Hamano’s delivery with a near-post header that struck the crossbar. TANIKAWA Momoko (Bayern Munich) and MATSUKUBO Manaka (North Carolina Courage) were introduced in the 68th minute, and the substitutions made an immediate impact. In the 75th minute, Kumagai rose to head home from Tanikawa’s corner, extending Japan’s lead to three.

Korea Republic responded by pulling a goal back in the 78th minute following a move down the left, marking the first goal conceded by Japan in the tournament.

However, Japan restored their three-goal advantage shortly afterwards. Following the introduction of CHIBA Remina (Eintracht Frankfurt) and YAMAMOTO Yuzuki (Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza) in the 79th minute, Chiba found the net with a precise left-footed strike from Matsukubo’s pass in the 81st minute. SHIMIZU Risa (Liverpool FC) was introduced in the 86th minute as Japan saw out the remainder of the match to secure a 4–1 victory.

Japan will face hosts Australia in the final on Saturday 21 March.

Coach and Players' Comments

Nils NIELSEN, Head Coach of Nadeshiko Japan
I believe every player delivered a consistent performance today, and we were able to raise our level compared to the quarter-finals. We created numerous attacking opportunities while limiting those of our opponents defensively. Rather than doing anything extraordinary, we focused on refining what we have been working on, which allowed the players to deepen their understanding. The coaching staff also performed excellently, contributing to our effective pressing. The substitutes were well prepared through training, and the fourth goal was a clear example of that preparation bearing fruit. The final against Australia will undoubtedly be a demanding match, but we will do everything we can to secure victory.

DF #4 KUMAGAI Saki (London City Lionesses/England)
Our objective in this tournament is to win the title, so we are pleased to have reached the final. Korea Republic defended deep at the start, so we focused on managing risk at the back while pressing effectively in advanced areas. In the first half, our transitions were sharp, and we were able to defend on the front foot for sustained periods. However, when the opposition began to push forward, we lost some balance and were not always able to control the flow of the game. The goal we conceded came during that phase, and it is something we must address ahead of the final. At the same time, scoring from a set piece and seeing substitutes make an impact were significant positives. One of our strengths is that we can score regardless of who is on the pitch. We will prepare thoroughly and approach the final as a united group.

MF #15 FUJINO Aoba (Manchester City/England)
We anticipated that Korea Republic would employ a back five in the first half, but it was not easy to draw them out and create opportunities out wide. Nevertheless, by assessing their positioning and the available space, we combined effectively and were able to break them down by utilising both central and wide areas. When they switched to a back four in search of goals, we communicated well on the pitch and adapted accordingly. Defensively, we shared a clear understanding of when to press, which allowed us to guide the opposition effectively. We also maintained compactness in midfield and managed the match well overall. On a personal note, I had clear chances that I should have converted, so I would like to improve the quality of my finishing.

FW #9 UEKI Riko (West Ham United/England)
Fuka (Nagano) did most of the work for the opening goal, but I am pleased that I was able to convert the opportunity. Initiating the press from the front is one of my strengths, and we were able to win possession high up the pitch through collective effort. Our persistence in one-on-one situations reflects the high level of competition each player faces at their respective clubs, and I can feel the team’s development. Scoring six goals so far, with the support of my teammates, gives me confidence, but our aim is to become champions of Asia. I will continue to do my utmost to contribute to the team in the final.

AFC Women's Asian Cup™ Australia 2026

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