Australia's quest for Women's Asian Cup glory has ended in heartache after Japan condemned the Matildas to a 1-0 loss in the tournament's final. A first-half goal from Maika Hamano was all that separated the two sides in front of 74,397 at Stadium Australia as Japan claimed their third Asian crown. The Matildas had done well to contain Japan's attack, but a momentary switch-off from Alanna Kennedy and Kyra Cooney-Cross was all Hamano needed. Australia kept the Japanese at bay for the remainder of the first half and should arguably have gone in at halftime level. But she could only guide her header into Yamashita's grasp as Japan claimed victory and the Matildas' 16-year wait for a major trophy rolled on.

Source: Daily Mail March 21, 2026 11:41 UTC