Hosts Australia takes on Japan for AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 glory
Japan and Australia are unbeaten in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 so far
The AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 has delivered three weeks of high-intensity football, filled with drama, standout performances, and unforgettable moments as all twelve teams battled for continental supremacy.
Now, after 21 days of fierce competition, the tournament reaches its grand finale with just two teams left standing.
Hosts Australia will aim to make history on home soil, but standing in their way is the formidable Japan, a side known for its pedigree and composure on the biggest stage.
With the title on the line, Saturday’s final promises to be a thrilling contest between two of Asia’s finest.
The Stakes
Australia
The hosts finished second in Group A, picking up wins against the Philippines and Iran. They then played out an entertaining 3-3 draw against South Korea to end their group stage campaign and qualify comfortably for the knockout rounds.
In the quarterfinals, Australia knocked out North Korea, beating them 2-1 on the night. This was followed by a 2-1 win against the defending champions – China in the semifinal courtesy of goals from Caitlin Foord and Samantha Kerr.
With the backing of the home crowd, the Matildas will be ready for the challenge as they lace up for the final.
Japan
The Japanese Women have asserted their dominance throughout the tournament and are the favorites to win the title. The Nadeshiko steamrolled through Group C, winning all three games with a clean sheet and registering a goal difference of +17.
Their 11-0 win against India was the heaviest win in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026.
In the quarterfinals Japan steamrolled the Philippines 6-0 and then they beat South Korea 4-1 in the semifinals to ease their way into the title fight. In five games, the Japanese Women have scored an astounding 27 goals and have conceded just one, making them the favourites on Saturday.
Team News
There are no suspensions or major injury concerns in either camp ahead of the AFC Asian Cup 2026 final.
All time head-to-head stats
Games Played: 17
Won by Japan: 10
Won by Australia: 5
Draws: 2
Predicted Line-ups
Australia (4-3-3)
Mackenzie Arnold (GK), Kaitlyn Torpey, Clare Hunt, Steph Catley, Ellie Carpenter, Katrina Gorry, Alanna Kennedy, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Samantha Kerr
Japan (4-3-3)
Ayaka Yamashita (GK), Hikaru Kitagawa, Saki Kumagai, Toko Koga, Hana Takahashi, Yui Hasegawa, Hinata Miyazawa, Fuka Nagano, Aoba Fujino, Maika Hamano, Riko Ueki
Players to Watchout
Samantha Kerr (Australia)
The Australia Women’s captain – Samantha Kerr is one of the best in the game without a doubt. She has been in good form in this AFC Women’s Asian Cup, scoring 4 goals and providing one assist in five games so far.
The 32-year-old has had a say in every game for the Matildas and she will be Australia’s beacon of hope in the final.
Riko Ueki (Japan)
The tournament’s top scorer Riko Ueki will be leading the line for the Japanese Women in the final. She has scored six goals and has provided an assist in four appearances, including a hat-trick against the Indian Women’s Football team.
A major part of Japan’s attack, expect Ueki to be on the scoresheet once again in the final.
Did You Know?
- Japan has won the AFC Women’s Asian Cup twice (2014 & 2018). They beat Australia in the final on both occasions
- Australia have won the AFC Women’s Asian Cup once, beating North Korea on penalties in the final
- Both Australia and Japan are unbeaten in the tournament so far
Telecast
The match between Japan vs Australia will be played at the Stadium Australia, Sydney on Saturday, 21st March 2026. The game will kick-off at 2:30 pm IST.
In India, The match will be streamed live on the FanCode App. There is no telecast on any Indian television channels.
DAZN will broadcast the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 matches live in Japan, whereas the host country, Australia, has given its hosting rights to Paramount.
In the Middle East countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Iraq and Jordan, viewers can tune in to beIN Sports for the live action of this game.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.
Aasif, a football fan turned writer, has been writing about the sport since 2020. Based in Chennai, it is no surprise that love for Chennaiyin FC runs in his blood. Apart from Indian football, Aasif has also written and edited articles extensively about European football.