Women’s Asian Cup 2026: Hamano stunner seals Japan’s third title

Heartache for the Matildas as Japan claim trophy with 1-0 win in Sydney

Maika Hamano celebrating scoring the only goal of the final in Sydney. Credit: Getty Images

Stadium Australia, Sydney

Japan are champions of Asia for the third time in the last four editions of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, after defeating Australia 1-0 in the final in Sydney.

Maika Hamano’s curling effort in the first half was enough to secure victory for …