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Japan wins Asian Games gold in women's football amid empty stadiums

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 3, 2026, 3:29 AM

Last updated Oct 3, 2026

Japan wins Asian Games gold in women's football amid empty stadiums

Summary

Japan secured the Asian Games gold in women's football on October 2, 2026, defeating North Korea 5-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw following extra time. The final took place in Shizuoka, with only 6,243 spectators present in a venue that holds 50,000. Yuzuho Shiokoshi, who scored the decisive fifth penalty, expressed hope that this victory would bolster interest in women's football in Japan, particularly in the WE League. Attendance at the tournament has been low throughout, with the semi-final match drawing just 998 fans. Shiokoshi urged more support for women's football, emphasizing the need for fans to watch the games in person.

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By the Numbers

•Japan won gold at the 2026 Asian Games in women's football.
•The final ended 2-2 after extra time; Japan triumphed 5-3 on penalties.
•Only 6,243 fans attended the match in a 50,000-capacity stadium.
•Yuzuho Shiokoshi scored the final penalty for Japan.
•The tournament experienced poor attendance overall, highlighting challenges for women's football.

Latest Updates

3:29 AMYahoo Sports — Penalty hero rues empty seats as Games hosts Japan win football gold

What they're saying

"
Penalty hero Yuzuho Shiokoshi hopes more people will come and watch Japanese women's football after the hosts won Asian Games gold in front of thousands of empty seats.Shiokoshi praised the 6,243 spectators who did come to watch the host side win a nail-biting gold, but added: "I hope that interest doesn't end here, but leads to fans coming to watch the WE League as well." pst/dh
— Yahoo Sports

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