AFC's crucial decision for the Asian Cup final

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) confirms Kim Yu Jeong will officiate the 2026 Women's Asian Cup final between Australia and Japan.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has officially announced the referee for the 2026 Women's Asian Cup final, selecting Kim Yu Jeong – an experienced South Korean female referee. This decision quickly drew attention as Kim is a familiar figure in major Asian tournaments.

This year's final is an eagerly awaited match between Australia and Japan. For host Australia, this is not only a chance to win the title but also an opportunity to "settle the score" after two previous losses to Japan in finals. Therefore, the referee factor is considered a key point influencing the match's outcome.

At 36 years old, Kim Yu Jeong is regarded as one of the most consistent and composed female referees in the region. She is familiar to Vietnamese fans, having officiated matches for the Vietnamese women's national team in the group stage, including encounters with India and Japan. Additionally, she has performed duties at youth tournaments held in Vietnam and left a positive impression due to her confident demeanor and accurate decisions.

Joining the FIFA referee list in 2018, Kim Yu Jeong has continuously gained experience at top-level competitions. She participated in the 2023 Women's World Cup, the 2022 Women's U20 World Cup, and even officiated at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Her frequent assignments to major tournaments demonstrate the trust the professional community places in the South Korean female referee.

Not limited to the main referee role, Kim Yu Jeong has also served as the fourth official in the 2025 U17 Asian Cup final and participated in officiating the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26 season. This diverse experience provides her with comprehensive insight and flexible handling ability in high-pressure matches.

Supporting Kim Yu Jeong in the final will be an international refereeing team consisting of assistants, VAR officials, and reserve referees from various Asian countries. The match between Australia and Japan will take place at 16:00 on March 21st, promising not only exciting gameplay but also a showcase of the region's top refereeing team's expertise.