Nadeshiko storm through
Japan’s Nadeshiko thumped the Philippines 7‑0 in an AFC semi (a rout that sealed 2027 Women’s World Cup qualification) — the victory kept Japan in their fourth straight semis and drew heavy social engagement (973+ likes on the match thread) match reaction. Big win for squad momentum heading into qualifiers.
Mina Tanaka (45'), Tōko Koga (45'+3' and 76'), Remina Chiba (65'), Manaka Matsukubo (67'), Momoko Tanikawa (86') and Riko Ueki (90') were the scorers in the quarterfinal, with the goals and minutes recorded in the official match report. espn.com The game took place on March 15, 2026 at Stadium Australia in Sydney, played in front of 13,321 spectators at Olympic Park. espn.com Japan entered the knockout stage having already amassed 24 goals and conceded zero across their first four matches of the tournament. espn.com Statistically Japan dominated the contest, posting roughly 85% possession and registering 16 shots on target compared with the Philippines’ zero on-target attempts. espn.com Coach Nils Nielsen kept a strong starting XI for the tie, while Philippines coach Mark Torcaso made five changes and handed goalkeeper Nina Meollo a tournament debut. espn.com Japan’s next assignment is a semifinal against South Korea scheduled for March 18, 2026 in Sydney, and the Philippines will contest a World Cup play-off against Uzbekistan on the Gold Coast as per the competition schedule. the-afc.com
