WK League News

South Korea’s women missed out on a second consecutive Asian Cup final, losing to Japan in a hard-fought semi-final that finished 1-4. The team, managed by Shin Sang-woo, have achieved their major aim of qualifying for the 2027 World Cup, but will be disappointed not to reach the final after finishing as runners-up in the 2022 edition of the tournament.

The Korean team have had plenty to celebrate during their 2026 Asian Cup campaign, finishing top of Group A despite the formidable presence of hosts Australia, and putting six goals past Uzbekistan in their quarter final clash. There have been debut goals for Ko Yoojin, Park Soojeong, and Kim Shinji, as well as a debut A match appearance for goalkeeper Woo Seobin.

However, the celebrations ended tonight as the side suffered defeat at the hands of tournament favourites and bitter rivals Japan.

Japan were dominant in the first half and took an early lead, with Riko Ueki scoring at 16′. Maika Hamano doubled the lead ten minutes later with a fantastic goal that left her visibly emotional. A few minutes later, the ball was in the back of Korea’s net again, but the offside flag was up.

With just few minutes until the break, Shin Sangwoo made his first substitution, bringing Son Hwayeon on for Jeon Yukyeong, who appeared to have sustained a minor injury. Just moments later, Japan scored again, but after VAR intervention, the goal was disallowed for a handball in the buildup. South Korean fans’ cheers of relief were short-lived as Shin was forced to make another substitution before the break, Ji Soyun coming on to replace an injured Moon Eunju. The score stood at 0-2 at the break, with most of the action in front of the Korean goal.

After half time, the Japanese team continued to control the match, although the score held at 0-2 until Saki Kumagai headed in a corner at 75’. There was a glimmer of hope shortly afterwards as substitute Kang Chaerim scored for South Korea, becoming the first (and so far, only) person to get a goal past Japan in this tournament. However, the gap widened again in the 81st minute as Remina Chiba made it 1-4.

Despite the disappointing result tonight, South Korea’s women can return from the Asian Cup with heads held high. Apart from securing World Cup qualification, there have been some excellent performances, particularly from some of the younger players in the squad, that bode well for the next few years of Korean women’s football.

Japan will face hosts Australia in the final, set to take place at Sydney’s Stadium Australia at 20:00 local time (18:00 KST) this Saturday.