Japan overcome Philippines to become final AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 semifinalists

Japan to take on South Korea for place in AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 final

The final quarterfinal of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 saw a dominant performance from Japan, who stormed into the semi-finals with a resounding 7–0 victory over the Philippines at Stadium Australia on Sunday.

The emphatic win not only set up an enticing semifinal clash against South Korea on Wednesday but also confirmed Japan’s 10th appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

For the Philippines, the journey continues as they prepare to face Uzbekistan in Thursday’s playoff, with a chance to secure their second consecutive berth at the global showpiece.

Late goals in the first half

Japan dominated the opening half against the Philippines in their AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 quarterfinal, applying relentless pressure from the very first minutes.

In just the second minute, Kiko Seike nearly opened the scoring after meeting a cross from Risa Shimizu, but her effort drifted wide. Moments later, captain Yui Hasegawa forced a save from Philippines goalkeeper Nina Meollo, who did well to punch away a powerful close-range strike.

Japan continued to create chances as Seike and Mina Tanaka both threatened with headers, while Meollo remained busy between the posts to keep the Filipinas in the game.

Tanaka came close again with another header from a well-delivered pass by Shimizu, but the young goalkeeper once more produced a timely intervention.

Despite several close calls, Japan’s breakthrough finally arrived in the 45th minute when Tanaka nodded home following a chaotic sequence of attempts from Seike and Toko Koga.

The lead doubled almost immediately as Honoka Hayashi delivered a precise corner that Koga headed into the net, sending Japan into the break with a comfortable 2–0 advantage.

Japan’s domination in the second half

Japan continued their dominance after the break against the Philippines in their AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 quarterfinal, maintaining relentless attacking pressure throughout the second half.

Substitute Remina Chiba nearly made an immediate impact when she rose to meet Honoka Hayashi’s corner, but Philippines goalkeeper Nina Meollo produced another strong save. Japan captain Yui Hasegawa also tried her luck from distance in the 55th minute, sending a powerful effort just over the crossbar.

Japan’s persistence soon paid off. Chiba, after missing a couple of close chances, finally found the net in the 63rd minute when Aoba Fujino slipped a clever pass into the box, allowing the substitute to calmly finish. The goals kept coming as Riko Matsukubo produced a brilliant individual run before finishing neatly to make it four.

The East Asians continued to pile on the pressure, with Toko Koga grabbing her second of the match after a corner from Momoko Tanikawa caused chaos in the box. Tanikawa then got on the scoresheet herself in the 86th minute, finishing clinically after being set up by Risa Shimizu.

There was still time for one more as substitute Riko Ueki struck within seconds of coming on, sealing a commanding 7–0 victory and completing a ruthless second-half display as Japan marched into the semifinals.

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