The South Korean women's soccer team is set to face host nation Japan in a crucial semifinal match at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, aiming for their first-ever final appearance.
Under the guidance of head coach Shin Sang-woo, South Korea will compete against Japan on September 29 at 7:30 PM at Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa.
The team has selected key players for this pivotal match, including Choi Yu-ri (Suwon FC) as the forward. The midfield features star player Ji So-yeon (Suwon FC), along with Yoon Soo-jung (Suwon FC), Jeong Min-young (Ottawa Fury FC), Hyeon Seul-ki (Gyeongju Hanwha), and Kim Min-ji (Seoul City Hall).
The defense will consist of Kim Hye-ri (Suwon FC), Ko Yu-jin (Hyundai Steel), Noh Jin-young (Gyeongju Hanwha), and Jang Seul-ki (Gyeongju Hanwha), with Kim Min-jung (Hyundai Steel) guarding the goal.
South Korea advanced to the semifinals after defeating Uzbekistan 6-3 in the quarterfinals, overcoming the disappointment of being eliminated in the quarterfinals at the 2022 Hangzhou Games. This marks their return to the semifinals for the first time in eight years since the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Games.
The team's goal is to reach the final, a stage they have never achieved. South Korea has won bronze medals in three consecutive tournaments: 2010 Guangzhou, 2014 Incheon, and 2018 Jakarta-Palembang, but has never progressed to the final.
If they defeat Japan, they will make history by reaching the gold medal match for the first time.
Japan poses a significant challenge for South Korea. In the semifinals of the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Games, South Korea lost to Japan 2-1, which thwarted their hopes of reaching the final. This rematch in the Asian Games semifinals offers South Korea a chance for redemption and a shot at their first final.
Should South Korea overcome Japan, they will face North Korea in the final. North Korea secured their spot by defeating China 2-0 in the earlier semifinal match at the same venue. This will mark North Korea's second consecutive final appearance following the previous Hangzhou Games. South Korea and North Korea have already met in this tournament, ending in a 1-1 draw during the final group stage match on September 21.
If South Korea triumphs over Japan, they will clash with North Korea again for the gold medal on October 2 at the same location.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.