The CommBank Junior Matildas have been defeated 4-0 by Japan in the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup 2026™ semi-final.
The tournament result sees them equal their best-ever finish and qualify for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026™ for the first time in history.
Head Coach Michael Cooper made three changes to the triumphant quarter-final starting eleven. Charlotte Bradshaw, Keira Sarris and Harper Pell came into the starting side, replacing Theo Mouithys Mickalad, Frida Karaberis and Leyla Hussein who started from the bench.
Japan applied pressure immediately. They struck early, a dangerous corner taking an unfortunate ricochet off an Australian player into the back of the net.
The Junior Matildas almost had a chance to equalise ten minutes later. After winning a corner, it slid through the pack of bodies towards the back post. Unfortunately, no one was able to get the decisive touch, and Japan survived the foray forward.
Nanami Kurita went on to score a first-half brace. The first was after a free kick that Kurita drilled well at the front post. The second was a good header after a pinpoint cross from the left-hand side. It meant that the teams went into the break with Japan holding a three-goal advantage.
Jada Taylor was introduced at half-time, before a triple substitution brought on Abbie Puckett, Mary Dal Broi and Matilda Dias Wadewitz.
Japan’s fourth goal was the best of the game. After moving the ball well around the penalty area, Arisu Ota made a powerful strike from the edge of the D that Dali Gorr Burchmore could do nothing about in Australia’s goal.
Australia’s final substitution saw Leyla Hussein replace Sakura Leong.
While the result was a disappointing one, this group can hold their heads high knowing they have made history by qualifying for the the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026™.
Match Summary
Japan U-17: 4 (OG 3’, Kurita 24’, 38’, Ota 74’)
Australia U-17: 0
Australia U-17: 18. Dali Gorr Burchmore (GK), 2. Willa Pearson, 3. Charlotte Bradshaw (14. Jada Taylor 46’), 4. Keira Sarris (23. Abbie Puckett 58’), 5. Liana Luong, 7. Claire Corbett (17. Mary Dal Broi 58’), 8. Kaya Jugovic (11. Matilda Dias Wadewitz 58’), 13. Maeve Nicholas, 16. Tehya Aspland, 19. Harper Pell, 20. Sakura Leong (10. Leyla Hussein 76’)
Unused substitutes: 1. Annabelle Croll (GK), 12. Alyse Oppedisano (GK), 6. Frida Karaberis, 9. Izabella Rako, 15. Tyra Bagiante, 21. Theo Mouithys Mickalad
Japan U-17: 23. Kou Kadowaki (GK), 5. Misato Maeda, 6. Misaya Takeda (11. Futaba Noda 61’), 8. Harura Matsushita (3. Anri Ito 81’), 10. Arisu Ota, 13. Runa Sumiya (15. Keiko Kitajima 61’), 17. Mino Tamamura (7. Rara Higuchi 46’), 18. Mashiro Yamaji (9. Yuzuha Ikeda 46’), 20. Nanami Kurita, 21. Asuka Tanaka, 22. Akina Masaki
Unused substitutes: 1. Mikan Yamanaka (GK), 12. Ayaka Miyaji (GK), 2. Wara Shimizu, 4. Rei Kitamura, 14. Mei Hanashiro, 16. Maho Kubota, 19. Yumi Hayashi
