South Korea to Face Japan in Asian Games Men's Football Final

South Korea and hosts Japan will meet in the Asian Games 2026 men's football final after both came through dramatic semi-finals on September 30, with South Korea chasing a fourth consecutive gold medal.

South Korea came from behind to beat China 2-1 at Nagai Stadium, with China taking an early lead through Wang Yudong before Lee Young-jun levelled and Bae Jun-ho scored a late header to seal the win. It was China's first men's football semi-final appearance at the Asian Games since 1998.

Japan needed penalties to see off Uzbekistan, who led through Sardorbek Bakhromov after just eight minutes. Japan equalised deep into stoppage time through Sena Ishibashi to force extra time, before winning a marathon shootout 9-8.

The gold medal match is scheduled for Saturday, October 3 at Toyota Stadium, with China facing Uzbekistan for bronze. South Korea, under head coach Lee Min-sung, are the three-time defending champions and have not lost the final since 2014.