South Korea, Japan vie for gold at Asian Games

KUALA LUMPUR, 1 OCTOBER 2026 —

South Korea and Japan set for Asian Games men’s football showdown in Kuala Lumpur as women’s teams also advance to finals

South Korea and Japan will clash in the men’s football final at the Asian Games 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, marking the third consecutive edition where the two rivals have met in the decider after both secured semi-final victories on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Japan’s women’s team also advanced to the final after defeating South Korea 2-0 in a hard-fought semi-final on Tuesday, while Saudi Arabia’s men’s team extended their undefeated run in the Gulf Cup 2026 with a 2-0 win over Iraq.

The men’s football final between South Korea and Japan underscores the fierce regional rivalry in Asian football, with both nations having dominated the tournament in recent years. Japan’s women’s team, meanwhile, has now reached six consecutive Asian Games finals, solidifying their status as the continent’s powerhouse in women’s football. The women’s final will feature Japan against DPR Korea (North Korea), who also advanced after their semi-final win.

Japan’s women’s team, known as the Nadeshiko Japan, demonstrated resilience in their 2-0 semi-final victory over South Korea at Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa on Tuesday. The match, played in heavy rain, saw Japan adopt a disciplined 4-3-3 formation, with OHBA Shu in goal and KAMIYA Chiina emerging as the standout performer, scoring both goals in the second half.

The first came in the 54th minute when UENO Mami delivered a cross that Kamiya headed in, followed by a second goal nine minutes later after a defensive error by South Korea led to a swift counterattack. Japan’s defense, bolstered by substitute SENO Yuki, remained impervious, with goalkeeper OHBA making crucial saves to deny South Korea clear chances.

South Korea’s women’s team, seeking their first Asian Games final appearance, pushed hard but struggled to break down Japan’s organized defense. Despite controlling possession through short passes, they failed to capitalize on Japan’s defensive lapses, with OHBA producing a series of key saves, including from corners. The victory ensures Japan’s place in their sixth consecutive Asian Games final, a record in the tournament’s history.

In other football developments, Saudi Arabia continued their dominant campaign in the Gulf Cup 2026, defeating Iraq 2-0 to top Group A and advance to the semi-finals. The win maintains Saudi Arabia’s perfect record in the tournament, setting the stage for their home-hosted AFC Asian Cup 2027 next year.

Meanwhile, Australia and the Islamic Republic of Iran suffered defeats in international friendlies on Tuesday, while Thailand secured a 2-0 victory over Vietnam in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, extending their unbeaten start to the competition.

The men’s football final between South Korea and Japan at the Asian Games will be closely watched, given the historical significance of the rivalry and the high stakes in Asian football. Japan’s women’s team, now facing DPR Korea in the final, will look to add another trophy to their collection, while Saudi Arabia’s continued success in regional tournaments signals their growing influence in the sport.

The outcomes of these matches will not only shape the Asian Games but also set the tone for future continental competitions, including the AFC Asian Cup 2027 in Saudi Arabia.