Japan has achieved a remarkable three-peat in women's football.
The Japanese women's national football team secured the gold medal on October 2 at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, defeating North Korea in a penalty shootout at Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa.
Japan started strong with a goal from Mami Ueno in the 32nd minute. However, they faced a setback in the second half when North Korea equalized with a goal from Jeong Geum in the 47th minute, following a deflection off Japanese goalkeeper Ohba Shu. North Korea then took the lead with a goal from Jeon Ryongjeong in the 69th minute.
With defeat looming, Japan's substitute Hanon Nishio scored the equalizer in the 86th minute, sending the match into extra time. After neither team could find a winner in extra time, the match proceeded to penalties, where Japan triumphed 5-3. North Korea's Jeong Geum missed a crucial penalty, which proved decisive.
This victory marks Japan's third consecutive gold medal in women's football at the Asian Games, bringing their total to four championships, 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 on the same day.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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