VIDEO: Japan secures World Cup berth with decisive victory over Philippines

Japan's women's national team easily defeated Philippines 7-0 in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women's Asian Cup.

Immediately after the opening whistle, the Japanese team pressed forward and created a series of dangerous attacks towards the Philippine goal. However, goalkeeper Meollo and the defenders played with great effort, repeatedly neutralizing threatening situations for most of the first half.

When many thought the first 45 minutes would end without a goal, Japan unexpectedly broke the deadlock in the 45th minute. From a corner kick situation, Tanaka rose high for a close-range header, rendering goalkeeper Meollo's efforts futile and helping the team from the land of the rising sun open the scoring.

Difficulties continued to mount for Philippines in the third minute of stoppage time of the first half. From another corner kick, center-back Koga leaped powerfully for a header, doubling Japan's lead before the teams entered the break. In the second half, Philippine players gradually declined in stamina and could no maintain the solidity seen early in the match. Japan fully exploited this advantage to completely dominate the game.

Substitutes entering the field shone consecutively, helping Japan score additional goals through Chiba (65'), Matsukubo (67'), Koga (76'), Tanikawa (86') and Ueki (90'), concluding a resounding 7-0 victory.

With this convincing win, Japan officially secured a ticket to the 2027 Women's World Cup, following Australia, China and South Korea. In the semi-finals of the Asian women's football championship, they will face South Korea at 16:00 on March 18.

Final result:Japan 7-0 Philippines (half-time score: 2-0)

Scorers:

Tanaka 45', Koga 45+3' 76', Chiba 65', Matsukubo 67', Tanikawa 86', Ueki 90'

Starting lineup:

Japan:Hirao, Shimizu, Minami, Koga, Moriya, Miyazawa, Hasegawa, Fujino, Hayashi, Seike, Tanaka

Philippines:N.Meollo, M.Cesar, J.Cowart, H.Long, K.Hawkinson, J.Sawicki, J.Curran, I.Pasion, A.Markey, A.Pino, M.Ramirez

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