Japan are 2026 Asian Cup Champions

📸: @WGolazo on X

Japan are the AFC Asian Cup champions for the third time, after narrowly defeating Australia 1-0 in front of a sellout crowd at Stadium Australia in Sydney.

In a thrilling affair that saw chances at both ends of the pitch, it was Maika Hamano’s 17th-minute wonder strike which helped Nadeshiko overcome the hosts. The final, played out in front of 74,397 raucous fans, set a new record for attendance at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

The success adds to Japan's previous Asian Cup wins from 2014 and 2018, and puts down a statement of intent ahead of next year's FIFA Women's World Cup. The Nadeshiko qualified secured their place in Brazil earlier in the tournament and will now arrive as one of the favourites after a near-perfect tournament Down Under.

The victory sees Head Coach Nils Nielsen and Assistant Coach Leah Blayney deliver on their pre-tournament goals, leading Nadeshiko to a near-flawless tournament, with 29 goals scored and five clean sheets across the six matches.

Reflecting on a landmark career moment, building on his silver medal with native Denmark at Euro 2017, the Danish Head coach expressed his delight and pride in the group:

“I’m very proud of them. The girls fought with everything they had.”

Meanwhile, for Assistant Coach Leah Blayney, it was a proud moment to celebrate victory in her hometown. The former Matilda reflected on her personal journey:

“I’ve sacrificed a lot over the last 15 months so it it means everything to be able to do this on home soil and share it with all my friends and family.”

Congratulations to Nils and Leah on an incredible achievement with Nadeshiko and the Japanese Football Association.