Japan beat Australia to win Women’s Asian CupReuters, SYDNEYJapan on Saturday edged tournament hosts Australia 1-0 in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup final to win the continental title for the third time in the last four editions and disappoint a record crowd of 74,357 at Stadium Australia in Sydney. Japanese players react as Yui Hasegawa, front, brings the trophy on stage after winning the AFC Women’s Asian Cup final against Australia in Sydney on Saturday. The Nadeshiko were forced into desperate defense in the final 10 minutes as Australia, roared on by the largest crowd in Women’s Asian Cup history, poured forward in search of an equalizer. Substitute Emily van Egmond had two shots blocked, and Alanna Kennedy’s header from Ellie Carpenter’s cross was well saved by Japan goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita. Former world champions Japan, playing in their seventh Asian Cup final, held onto add another Asian title to their 2014 and 2018 triumphs.

Source: Taipei Times March 22, 2026 16:38 UTC