AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026: Japan reaches semi-finals after 7-0 defeat by Philippines, qualifies for FIFA World Cup

Toko Koga scored twice as Japan stayed on course for a third AFC Women’s Asian Cup title with a 7-0 win over the Philippines in Sydney on Sunday, setting up a semi-final against South Korea.

It was one-way traffic throughout, but Japan was kept at bay until just before half-time by Philippine goalkeeper Nina Meollo. Mina Tanaka broke the deadlock with a sloppy header from close range, before Koga doubled the lead from a corner.

Japan accelerated after the break when Remina ‌Chiba’s right-foot shot made it 3-0 in the 65th minute.

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Two minutes later, Manaka Matsukubo dribbled through the defense and added a fourth before Koga scored her second with another close-range header in the 75th minute.

Momoko Tanikawa added the sixth in the 86th minute, and substitute Riko Ueki scored the seventh in the 90th, sealing a dominant victory for Japan, who have now scored 24 goals without reply in the tournament.

With the win, Japan booked a spot at the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, while the Philippines will compete with the other losing quarter-finalists for two more play-off spots on the Gold Coast.

Australia will play China in the other semi-final.

Published on March 15, 2026