Soccer fans at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California, witnessed a nail-biter as Japan defeated the United States 2-1 in the culminating match of the 2025 SheBelieves Cup. With both teams vying for top honors, an early strike, a quick American response, and a decisive second-half goal ensured drama until the final whistle. Thanks to this win, Japan lifts the SheBelieves Cup trophy, capping off a remarkable run under Head Coach Nils Herbert Kromann Nielsen.

Early Fireworks

It took only two minutes for Japan to announce their intentions. Yuka Momiki pounced on an opening to give the Nadeshiko an immediate 1-0 lead. Undeterred, the USA found an equalizer at the 14th minute, when forward Ally Sentnor calmly slotted the ball past Japan’s defense. Sentnor’s goal injected fresh energy into Coach Emma Carol Hayes’ squad, setting the stage for an intense, back-and-forth first half.

Second-Half Turning Point

Coming out of halftime at 1-1, both teams made key substitutions. Japan introduced Toko Koga—who would become the match winner—while the United States brought on fresh legs in midfield and attack. In the 50th minute, Koga capitalized on a defensive lapse, firing a shot that put Japan ahead 2-1. Despite a series of U.S. substitutions at the 58th and 68th minutes, the Americans couldn’t break down Japan’s disciplined defense in the remaining minutes of the match.

Match Stats Spotlight

  • Score: Japan 2, USA 1
  • Possession: USA 49.7%, Japan 50.3%
  • Shots on Goal: USA 5, Japan 4
  • Total Shot Attempts: USA 9, Japan 10
  • Corner Kicks: USA 2, Japan 1
  • Saves: USA 2, Japan 4
  • Yellow Cards: None

Japan’s slight edge in possession (50.3%) and efficient finishing proved decisive. Both sides produced nearly an equal number of shot attempts (9 for the USA, 10 for Japan), but the Nadeshiko demonstrated the clinical touch needed to claim the trophy.

Tactical Setups

Both teams deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation:

  • The USA featured a front four of Catarina Macario, Ally Sentnor, Lindsey Heaps, and Yazmeen Ryan, supported by Sam Coffey and Lily Yohannes in midfield.
  • Japan’s attack revolved around leading forward Mina Tanaka, with Momiki, Aoba Fujino, and Maika Hamano contributing creativity and pressing in the final third.

Substitutions in the second half, including the introduction of Hinata Miyazawa and Remina Chiba for Japan, added fresh attacking options to wear down the U.S. defense.

Triumph and Looking Ahead

By claiming victory in San Diego, Japan cements its reputation as a rising powerhouse in international women’s soccer. For the United States, the narrow defeat offers lessons and motivation for future competitions under Emma Carol Hayes’s tenure. While the SheBelieves Cup concludes for 2025, both squads will regroup and refocus on the year’s upcoming challenges, eager to refine tactics and build on this tournament’s experience.