Japan has achieved a historic third consecutive gold medal in women's soccer.
The Japanese women's national soccer team won the gold medal at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on October 2, defeating North Korea in a penalty shootout after a dramatic final at Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa.
Japan started strong with a goal from Mami Ueno in the 32nd minute, but faced a setback in the second half. North Korea equalized in the 47th minute when a cross from Jong Kum deflected off Japanese goalkeeper Ohba Shu and into the net. North Korea took the lead in the 69th minute with a goal from Jon Ryong-jong.
With defeat looming, Japan's Hanon Nishio, who was substituted in the 86th minute, scored the equalizer in the 86th minute, sending the match into extra time. After neither team could secure a win in extra time, the match went to penalties, where Japan triumphed 5-3. North Korea's Jong Kum's missed penalty proved costly.
This victory marks Japan's third consecutive championship and their fourth overall in the Asian Games, making them the all-time leader in women's soccer titles, surpassing North Korea and China, which have three titles each. North Korea's hopes for a gold medal, their first since the 2014 Incheon Asian Games, were dashed as they fell to Japan once again.
Meanwhile, South Korea secured the bronze medal by defeating China 1-0.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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