#WAC2026 Final - How they stack up: Japan v Australia

Fri, 20 Mar, 2026

#WAC2026 Final - How they stack up: Japan v Australia

Sydney: If the numbers are any indication, Japan will start as the favourites in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ final against Australia on Saturday.

The two-time champions have not only shone with their positive play on the pitch but also have the stats to back their impressive displays.

Australia, on paper, have it all to do if they are to match Japan and claim a second title, as the-AFC.com breaks down their performances thus far.

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Preview - Final: Japan v Australia

Fri, 20 Mar, 2026

Preview - Final: Japan v Australia

Sydney: Japan and Australia are equally confident heading into the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ final, with both head coaches agreeing that Saturday’s match is capable of going either way.

Japan breezed through the semi-finals with a 4-1 win against Korea Republic while Australia held their own in defeating China PR 2-1, with both teams having taken different journeys to get to this stage.

Carpenter out to end Australia title drought

Fri, 20 Mar, 2026

Carpenter out to end Australia title drought

Sydney: Ellie Carpenter has won multiple trophies at club level but success with Australia has eluded her and it’s a record she intends to set straight at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™.

A serial league winner with Melbourne City,  Lyon and Chelsea, the full-back is now within one match of savouring glory as part of the Matildas, with Japan the last hurdle to overcome in Saturday’s final.

Japan’s Hasegawa determined to savour glory again

Fri, 20 Mar, 2026

Japan’s Hasegawa determined to savour glory again

Sydney: Come Saturday, Yui Hasegawa will be playing in her second AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ final and the determination to add the Australia 2026 title to the 2018 triumph is as high as it can possibly be.

The midfielder - recognised as one of the best in the world - was part of Japan’s title triumph at Jordan 2018 but vividly remembers the disappointment of four years ago when the Nadeshiko were knocked out by China PR in the semi-finals.

#WAC2026 - Know the coach: Nils Nielsen (JPN)

Thu, 19 Mar, 2026

#WAC2026 - Know the coach: Nils Nielsen (JPN)

Sydney: As Japan aim to live up to their top billing at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™, the Nadeshiko will believe they have - in Nils Nielsen - the right man to take them to a third title.

The Dane has guided Japan through a serene campaign, which includes a 4-1 semi-final success against Korea Republic on Wednesday, to set up a tantalising final against Australia.

The first ever non-Japanese to lead the women’s squad, the-AFC.com takes a look at just how Nielsen has gotten here.

#WAC2026 - Know the coach: Joe Montemurro (AUS)

Fri, 20 Mar, 2026

#WAC2026 - Know the coach: Joe Montemurro (AUS)

Sydney: Joe Montemurro is only one step away from creating history for his home nation at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™.

The Australia head coach has guided the Matildas through a tough campaign that has not only highlighted their quality but also their resolve to lift the coveted trophy for a second time.

With Australia to take on Japan in Saturday’s final, the-AFC.com takes a look at Montemurro's journey so far.