Japan power past Korea Republic to set up Australia showdown

Wed, 18 Mar, 2026

Japan power past Korea Republic to set up Australia showdown

Sydney: Japan produced a classy performance to defeat Korea Republic 4-1 in their AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ semi-final at Stadium Australia on Wednesday. 

Nils Nielsen’s side were simply dazzling, scoring twice in each half to secure a seventh final appearance to set up an enticing showdown with Australia on Saturday in what will be a repeat of the 2014 and 2018 deciders, with Japan having won both. 

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Foord expects Australia to go all the way

Tue, 17 Mar, 2026

Foord expects Australia to go all the way

Perth: Caitlin Foord has challenged Australia to go all the way after the Matildas booked their spot in the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia  2026™ final with a 2-1 win against China PR on Tuesday.

Foord netted the first in the 17th minute with a special strike before setting up Sam Kerr for the winner in the 58th, with China PR having equalised through Zhang Linyan’s spot-kick in the 26th at Perth Stadium. 

We need to be better, says Australia’s Montemurro

Tue, 17 Mar, 2026

We need to be better, says Australia’s Montemurro

Perth: Australia may have achieved their target of reaching the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia  2026™ final but head coach Joe Montemurro admitted that his side can be much better.

The Matildas got off to a good start in their semi-final against China PR on Tuesday with Caitlin Foord giving them the lead in the 17th minute but were pegged back by Zhang Linyan’s spot-kick in the 26th.

Despite dominating, the 2010 champions failed to create clear openings and needed a special Sam Kerr strike in the 58th minute to cross the finishing line at the Perth Stadium.

China PR’s Milicic looks forward after semi-final disappointment

Tue, 17 Mar, 2026

China PR’s Milicic looks forward after semi-final disappointment

Perth: Ante Milicic wasn’t too despondent following China PR’s exit from the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia  2026™ on Tuesday.

The defending champions, despite going toe-to-toe with Australia, struggled to create chances as they exited the tournament with the hosts sealing a 2-1 win through goals from Caitlin Foord and Sam Kerr, with  Zhang Linyan having equalised from the penalty spot.

Preview: Playoffs

Wed, 18 Mar, 2026

Preview: Playoffs

Gold Coast: Four teams will be vying for two FIFA Women's World Cup Brazil 2027 spots when they meet in the playoffs in Gold Coast on Thursday.

Uzbekistan will face the Philippines while DPR Korea will take on Chinese Taipei, with the winners securing their spots at the global showpiece.

The losing teams will have one final opportunity to qualify via the Inter-Confederation Playoffs, which will offer an additional two tickets. Australia, China PR, Japan and Korea Republic have already secured their spots after advancing to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ semi-finals.