The team that helped the Filipinas get into the quarterfinals of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup was ultimately the team that eliminated them.
Japan showed exactly why it remains one of Asia’s most dominant football powers, overwhelming the Philippines, 7–0, on Sunday at Stadium Australia in Sydney to secure a spot in the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup semifinals.
The emphatic victory also guaranteed Japan a place in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, extending its streak of consecutive appearances on football’s biggest stage to 10.
Japan Just Too Good
Currently ranked No. 8 in the world—the highest among teams in the tournament—Japan looked every bit the title contender. The Nadeshiko were relentless on both ends, piling on goals while maintaining their defensive perfection in the competition. Through the quarterfinal stage, Japan has scored a tournament-best 24 goals while conceding none.
Tottenham defender Toko Koga led the charge with two goals, while Mina Tanaka, Remina Chiba, Manaka Matsukubo, Momoko Tanikawa, and Riko Ueki each found the back of the net.
Japan head coach Nils Nielsen acknowledged his team’s control throughout the match.
“They didn’t really challenge our defenders and we were in complete control,” Nielsen said. “It’s always nice to score a lot of goals and for the players to show what they can do.”
The victory sets up a semifinal showdown with South Korea on Wednesday in Sydney after the Koreans also cruised to a 6–0 win over Uzbekistan. Meanwhile, hosts Australia will face defending champion China in the other semifinal in Perth.
Filipinas Put Up a Gallant Fight Early
For much of the first half, however, the Philippines managed to hold the powerful Japanese attack at bay. The Filipinas stayed organized defensively and leaned on the steady goalkeeping of Nina Meollo to keep the match scoreless deep into the half.
Japan finally broke through in the 45th minute when Tanaka headed in from close range following a chaotic scramble in front of goal. The breakthrough opened the floodgates. Just minutes later, Koga rose above the defense to power home a header off a corner from Honoka Hayashi, giving Japan a 2–0 lead heading into halftime.
The second half quickly turned into a one-sided affair. Chiba fired a shot into the left corner for Japan’s third before Matsukubo slipped past two defenders and added another just two minutes later.
Koga struck again with another header before late goals from Tanikawa and Ueki completed the rout.
Filipinas Still Have a Path to the World Cup
Despite the heavy defeat, the Philippines’ World Cup hopes remain alive.
The Filipinas will now move into a playoff match against Uzbekistan, with the winner securing a ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. North Korea and Taiwan will face each other in the other playoff match.
For the Philippines, the opportunity is still there—one final win away from returning to the global stage.
