South Korea's women's national football team saw their championship hopes dashed after losing to Japan in the semifinals.
The team, led by head coach Shin Sang-woo, suffered a 4-1 defeat to Japan in the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup semifinal at Stadium Australia in Sydney on Saturday. The loss extended South Korea's struggles against Japan to 4 wins, 12 draws, and 20 losses in head-to-head meetings. South Korea has not beaten Japan in 10 matches (4 draws, 6 losses) since a 2-1 victory at the 2015 East Asian Cup.
The defeat ends South Korea's bid for a first-ever Asian Cup title. The team's best finish in the tournament was runner-up at the 2022 edition in India, where they lost 3-2 to China in their first-ever final appearance. However, by reaching the semifinals, South Korea secured qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil—their fifth overall and fourth consecutive appearance.
Japan, ranked eighth in FIFA standings and the highest in Asia (South Korea ranks 21st), is aiming for their third title and first since winning back-to-back championships in 2018 in Jordan. Japan has been dominant throughout the tournament, scoring 28 goals and conceding just one in five matches. They will face host nation Australia, who defeated defending champions China 2-1 on Friday, in the final on January 21 at the same venue.
South Korea conceded the opening goal in the 15th minute when Kim Shin-ji lost possession to Nagano Fuka on the right side of the penalty area, and Ueki Riko finished with her right foot in front of goal. Hamano Maika added a second in the 25th minute, and Kumagai Saki scored in the 75th minute. Kang Chae-rim pulled one back three minutes later, but Chiba Remina sealed the victory with a goal in the 86th minute.