Japan Vs Australia LIVE Score, AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 Final: Kerr Tests Yamashita Early

Japan respond instantly with pressure of their own, creating danger through quick overlaps on the left and a teasing delivery to the far post, but the effort is cleared before it can trouble the goal.

They keep the momentum, switching play and probing down the right with repeated runs, yet the final ball lacks precision and Australia manage to deal with the crosses. A final push from Japan down the flank is again repelled, as Arnold collects calmly to relieve the pressure and settle the defence.

Kickoff in Sydney and the final is underway. Japan are in all blue, Australia in yellow and green stripes, with both sides settling quickly into the game.

Australia come close early as Sam Kerr forces a sharp save from Saki Yamashita, who dives to push the shot away after a well-worked move involving Mary Fowler’s through ball and Caitlin Foord’s setup. Early intensity on display from both teams.

The Matildas enter Saturday’s final carrying both history and opportunity as they look to win a first major trophy in front of home fans, while Japan arrive as proven champions aiming to extend their dominance in continental finals.

Australia will be eager to turn the page after past heartbreaks, including losses to Japan in the 2014 and 2018 finals, as well as a 3-1 defeat at Stadium Australia during the 2023 World Cup semifinals.

Although the hosts are widely viewed as slight favourites, Japan’s pedigree and recent 4-0 win in their last meeting at the SheBelieves Cup underline their strength. With both sides familiar with each other through 30 previous encounters, this final sets up as a high-stakes clash where experience, composure, and execution will decide the outcome.

• Overall games played: 17

• Won by Japan: 10

• Won by Australia: 5

• Draws: 2

H2H Record In AFC Women’s Asian Cup

• Games played: 8

• Won by Japan: 4

• Won by Australia: 2

• Draws: 2

The Australia vs Japan, AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 Final match will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website in India.

Greetings, we are back with another live blog, and this time it’s the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Final between Japan and Australia. Stay tuned as we bring you all the live updates from what promises to be an exciting clash.